824.001 Quintanilla, Carlos/1: Telegram
The Minister in Bolivia ( Dawson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 26—12:11 a.m.]
53. In proclamation assuming office Quintanilla announced that he did so “by the will of the Armed Forces and with the unanimous approval of the members of the Cabinet”. While under the Constitution the Vice President should succeed, Busch retained that document in effect only in so far as it did not interfere with his dictatorial powers. Vice President apparently has taken no active steps to claim Presidency and Quintanilla seems to have support of army and country under control, no disturbances having been reported.
In the absence of Congress the Cabinet was the only organized political body in Bolivia. Since the new Government is a dictatorship taking over from the old one with the support of the same elements it is my opinion that relations with it should continue without any necessity for de jure or de facto recognition but I should appreciate instructions from the Department on this point.
Cabinet has resigned “to leave President free to choose his collaborators”. I am informed in strict confidence that new Cabinet will be composed of four generals and six civilians, Ministries of Health and Propaganda being abolished. Four of old Cabinet retained. Appointments of particular interest are Ostria Gutierrez as Minister of Foreign Affairs and General Rivera now Minister of War as Minister [Page 309] of Mines and Petroleum. Poumont remains as Minister of Finance as sop to Leftist elements but probably only for a short period.