724.34119/1477: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 19—1:32 a.m.]
204. From Braden.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
My 187, July 18 [8], 11 a.m., second section;54 my 188, July 8, 8 p.m., first paragraph; my 191, July 9, 6 p.m., first paragraph.
Following additional alterations were today accepted by Bolivian and Paraguayan Foreign Mininsters and their respective delegations who will recommend acceptance to their Governments. Insert new article I as follows:
“Peace between the Republics of Paraguay and Bolivia, (Bolivia and Paraguay) is reestablished.”
New article III (old article II) first paragraph, delete first 13 [words] and substitute the following: “The arbitrators will pronounce, having heard the parties and according to”. New article VI (old article V) will read as follows: “Within thirty days after the award, the Governments of Bolivia and Paraguay, (Paraguay and Bolivia) will proceed to accredit their respective diplomatic representatives in Asunción and La Paz (La Paz and Asunción) and within ninety days will fulfill the award in its principal aspects, under the vigilence of the Peace Conference to whom the parties recognize the faculty of resolving definitely the practical questions which may arise in this connection.” New article XI (old article X) add second [Page 172] sentence as follows: “Ratifications shall be exchanged in the briefest period possible in the Peace Conference.”
I will telegraph any other alterations after final reading, probably tomorrow.
Both parties have accepted the treaty with these modifications and have promised to recommend acceptance to their Governments hoping to receive final approval tomorrow in which event present program is to hold plenary session late tomorrow afternoon when treaty will be read in final form and Bolivian and Paraguayan Foreign Ministers will formally record in the minutes their Governments’ approval thereof and willingness to sign. Conference will then set 1 p.m., Thursday for formal signature at session to be held in the Presidential Palace and to be presided over by President of the Argentine Republic with all possible pomp. Thursday will be declared a holiday. There will be a parade of 200,000 students to be followed by special session of Congress and other demonstrations and ceremonies. It was suggested the other mediatory countries likewise declare Thursday at least a half holiday. I expressed doubt that this could be done in the United States giving as excuse President Roosevelt is on the high seas. If you think of something to do please advise me.
Text of treaty should be released 3 p.m., Thursday.
Section 155 in confidential code will not be ready until after midnight. [Braden.]