724.34119/1428: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:15 p.m.]
170. From Braden. It is apparent that neither the Paraguayan Government nor delegation dare assume the responsibility of accepting any line materially divergent from their counter-proposal. I am satisfied of their good faith in proposing plebiscite and visit to Asunción by committee of mediatory delegates. Therefore, I pursued this question yesterday and this morning together with the Chilean delegate. As a result Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs and delegate said that they personally favor and believe they can obtain approval of the Bolivian Government of the line described paragraph 4 my telegram No. 164, June 24, 9 p.m., but starting from Esmeraldas and ending at the mouth of Otuquis. There will be some difficulty around Forts Galpon and Patria but junior Paraguayan delegate states he is satisfied this line would obtain practically unanimous approval in a plebiscite which would be called within 20 days of the Conference proposing it. However, in order for the Paraguayan Government and delegation to avoid committing themselves in advance the question of procedure becomes difficult. Also, excepting for Chilean delegate, my other colleagues particularly Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs and Peruvian delegate strongly oppose idea of plebiscite and visits. However, I will submit proposition to them at meeting this morning and telegraph later in the day.
Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs insisted to me this morning that he would publish his memorandum. It will certainly do our negotiations no good and may do irreparable harm. [Braden.]