724.34119/1336: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:25 p.m.]
105. From Braden. My 104, May 5, 4 p.m. Paraguayan proposal this morning substantially same as described by Alvarado, principal exceptions being line touches Parapiti River only at Matico and turns south at Otuquis swamps instead of going on to San Juan.
Chilean junior, Peruvian, and Brazilian delegates and I emphatically rejected proposal as worse than previous ones, contrary to the spirit of the protocols, offering no security against war and tantamount to frontier which could have been imposed only if Bolivia had admitted complete defeat. I also said long duration of Conference, present tension, and pending incidents in the Chaco make it imperative that direct negotiations now be concluded; if Paraguay had [Page 120] anything further to offer she must do so at once. Neither Argentine nor Uruguayan delegates joined with others in denouncing Paraguayan proposal. I assume Alvarado’s unfortunate silence is due to return tomorrow of Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs.
It is evident Paraguayans are trading and will improve upon their proposal in the west and perhaps north but their written instructions are not to cede even Puerto Caballo.
Bolivian delegate is being notified this afternoon by the Brazilian delegate on behalf of the Conference that if his country has any further offer to make it must be presented now. Alvestegui has received instructions to proceed as soon as possible to his post at the Vatican; also representing Bolivia before the League of Nations. No news received as to who takes his place here. [Braden.]