724.34119/1400: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:40 p.m.]
149. From Braden. Mediators met this afternoon to consider local press attacks on Conference and issue communiqué suggesting that public opinion before passing judgment await result of negotiations and the Conference publication of factual antecedents.
Telegram received from Argentine Chargé d’Affaires at Asunción quoting report to [on] his representations (my 147, June 7, 8 p.m.) states in résumé: [Page 140]
“Counter offer will contemplate Paraguayan rights; Conference cannot hold Paraguay responsible for failure since she has always shown utmost conciliatory spirit upholding principles first in diplomacy then in war; judgement cannot be passed until final stage of arbitral comprise [compromise] is concluded and Conference cannot adjourn until that is done; Paraguayan Government will repulse gratuitous and unfounded criticism.”
Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs is having chronology of facts drafted for issuance by Conference when direct negotiations are declared ended; it will not pass judgement. He said he is no longer concerned with probable renewal of war in event of failure but rather how to close Conference on sound juridicial basis.
With Chilean support I emphasized with little success that closure of Conference should be considered when we are faced by actual failure and that now we should redouble efforts to bring Paraguay to reason.
Brazilian Military Commander at Corumba reports repeated incursions of Paraguayan troops establishing forts within triangle where according to best information they never were before. [Braden.]