724.34119/1390: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:25 p.m.]
146. From Braden. Brazilian delegate and I in conversation with Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning emphasized that failure of Conference would inevitably entail renewal of hostilities and that for this and many other reasons principally preservation of American peace system final treaty must be accomplished now. We indicated two possibilities:
- 1.
- If Paraguay is determined not to relinquish any portion of river then forego cash payment and accept interior without alteration.
- 2.
- If Bolivia obtains a few kilometres of swampy river south of the mouth of Otuquis River then some modification could be made on interior line and amount of cash payment increased.
In reply to Minister’s assertion that political conditions in Paraguay impede any settlement we said ratification of treaty could be left until such time as Paraguay has constitutional congress and that we are confident better atmosphere created through appointment of diplomatic representatives and active discussion of Chaco matters dying down, would enable that congress to ratify. Meanwhile adequate security measures would be established in Chaco. If preferred, agreement need not be put in definite treaty form but made provisional and subject to approval of congress. Brazilian delegate suggested that if [Page 138] need be it could be kept secret. I have stated that I do not like the latter idea. Please instruct me in this respect.
I stated that fundamental policy of my Government is peace in America and likewise settlement of the Chaco problem at this time is of prime importance to the President and my Government. Availing myself of the Minister’s remark that the military were a controlling factor in Paraguay I suggested he might strengthen his own position by arranging for Minister of War Bozzano to fly to Buenos Aires.
Paraguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs contrary to usual custom indulged in very few generalities and flowery speeches. He told us he would telephone today to Minister for Foreign Affairs ad interim results of conversations at tea yesterday and this morning including all our remarks and suggestions to be passed on to President of Paraguay and important military officers. [Braden.]