724.34119/1397: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 8—3 a.m.]
147. From Braden. At this afternoon’s session Zubizarreta completed his rejection of entire Conference proposal, as usual without even attempting to answer mediators’ arguments. Not once in these negotiations with the Foreign Ministers has Zubizarreta, even on details, said anything but no, no and no. When Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs asked Paraguayans whether they had anything to offer before Conference declared direct negotiations terminated, after some debate said they would present counterproposal not later than Monday.
Brazilian and Chilean delegations have requested their Governments to instruct Legations at Asunción to make representations similar to those Argentine Chargé d’Affaires has been instructed to make on behalf of President of the Argentine Republic, insisting on peace and that Paraguayan declares offer must be one of two possibilities described in my telegram No. 146, June 7, 3 p.m., and to say that if direct negotiations have to be declared terminated it will be due to Paraguay’s intransigence. I shall inform Howard47 of situation by telephone.
Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs and delegation were informed by Conference that Paraguayans had asked for a few days in which to obtain requisite alteration of instructions. They accepted [Page 139] this statement as a perhaps favorable indication, although the Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs inquired what the Conference would do (1) respecting security measures when and if direct negotiations are declared ended, and (2) if Paraguay still refuses to accept April 23 regulations or equivalent thereof.
During meeting of mediators after departure of Paraguayans it was suggested Argentina might exert decisive influence either by sending an army officer as confidential agent to Asunción or having President of the Argentine Republic telephone President of Paraguay but Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs opposed the steps as excessive pressure.
My only hope for an agreement depends on, (1) influence which may be exerted in Asunción by presence there of Riart, and (2) Conference declaration calling on parties to draft compromise which may bring Paraguay to reason. [Braden.]
- Findley Burtch Howard, Minister in Paraguay.↩