724.34119/1376: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:09 p.m.]
136. From Braden. Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs and delegation this morning rejected categorically cession to Bolivia of any point on Paraguay River south of mouth of Otuquis. They state balance of Conference proposal is unsatisfactory but are willing to discuss changes.
Paraguayans except Zubizarreta were evidently afraid the Conference might publish news of their refusal and point to them as the intransigent party. I opposed this in order to leave open door for negotiation particularly in view of the statement by Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs that Zubizarreta has appointment with President of the Argentine Republic this afternoon. In consequence press communiqué only states that Paraguayan reply has made certain objections to the Conference proposal which that organization will study.
Mediators meet this afternoon to study the Paraguayan reply and agree upon a Conference attitude toward it. Tomorrow morning we meet with Paraguayans again at which time due to my particular insistence Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs will attend. [Braden.]