724.34119/1433: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:22 p.m.]
174. From Braden. Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs informs me that the President of the Argentine Republic both as a necessary measure and as an additional pressure on Paraguay has instructed Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs after Conference session tomorrow morning adjourns, to reassemble it with the chiefs of missions of the mediatory governments also present, and to propose in the name of the Argentine Government that since it is evident that in the event a direct agreement or an arbitral compromis are not reached war will be renewed, the mediatory nations should develop a uniform policy looking to the adoption of measures in the face of that eventuality. This statement will be issued to the press. The President has in mind to make clear to Bolivia and Paraguay that in the event of war they will be unable to obtain arms, credits or other facilities from mediatory powers and will have to fight with whatever they may have on hand. I urged the Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs to use particular caution in drafting press announcement so that the Paraguayans would not be encouraged to think that the mediatory powers would prevent Bolivia going to war and thereby practically assuring Paraguay permanence in her present positions.
[Page 157]Your 86, June 30, 2 p.m.; there has already been a leak to the press that instructions have been sent to me. It will do no harm.
The proposition will be discussed at meeting of neutrals tomorrow morning. Several changes are contemplated but not decided upon as yet. I shall telegraph further tomorrow. I appreciate the congratulations but I am not cheering until the treaty is signed. [Braden.]