724.34119/1384: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:05 p.m.]
143. From Braden. My 142, June 4, 4 [5] p.m. Zubizarreta speaking “purely personally, not as a delegate” agreed yesterday with the Peruvian Ambassador that to continue conversation along the present lines was futile and suggested instead Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs be requested to make a counter offer. I think Zubizarreta is basically right since it seems practically certain that under no circumstances will Paraguay yield to Bolivia any of the river south of Otuquis. On the other hand, on the basis of conversations with Finot, I am satisfied that the maximum concession to be hoped for from Bolivia is Conference proposal, with possible minor changes in the interior, terminal point at mouth of Otuquis and no cash payment. Arbo tells me he thinks such an agreement feasible although unfortunately he has little influence. In order to bring Paraguayan counter offer within the limits best strategy appears to be to continue pressure on Paraguay for a day or two more for acceptance of Conference proposal and river cession.
Brazilian Minister for Foreign Affairs telegraphed Brazilian delegate that the Paraguayan Minister at Rio de Janeiro who as Minister [Page 136] for Foreign Affairs signed June 12 protocol has gone to Asunción to insist that settlement be reached. [Braden.]