724.34119/1381: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:10 p.m.]
139. From Braden. My 137, June 2, 6 p.m. When Baez visited President of the Argentine Republic alone yesterday he alleged he was handicapped by his instructions which were the same as those given Zubizarreta. He said the latter was building in the Conference his political platform for the Presidency and otherwise indicated sharp difference of opinion between himself and Zubizarreta. The President of the Argentine Republic emphasized the necessity for settlement and that Chaco question is not restricted to Bolivia and Paraguay but is a continental problem. Zubizarreta is to see the President of the Argentine Republic this afternoon. Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs, saying he was too tired to attend, requested that this morning’s session be postponed since the delegation [Page 133] could not attend without its “chief”. Mediators met anyway with Chilean Minister for Foreign Affairs; Bolivians this afternoon.
With regard to Paraguayan refusal to debate question of river, I said this morning that this attitude summarily dismisses the united effort of all the mediatory governments in carefully elaborating proposal; that Paraguayan refusal to listen to arguments which may be adduced by the mediators or which may arise from free debate is the essence of intransigence; what is more serious they deny to the mediators the right to fulfill their obligation under the protocol to promote a solution on this important matter and therefore we must obtain a categorical statement from the Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs as to whether or not his Government insists upon stand taken by Dr. Zubizarreta yesterday. It was agreed that the Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs will force the issue on the question at the next meeting with Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Apparent differences between the Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Chairman of the delegation are generally considered by the mediators as a favorable development. [Braden.]