740.00111 A.R./1130
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of the American Republics (Duggan)
The Bolivian Minister99 informed me that following his conversation with Mr. Welles last week he telegraphed Dr. Ostria Gutierrez1 to inquire the latter’s views with regard to Dr. Cantilo’s recent statement urging a change in the status of the American countries with reference to the war in Europe.
The Minister asked me to tell Mr. Welles that he had received a cable in reply from Dr. Ostria Gutierrez on Saturday night. Dr. Ostria Gutierrez stated that since he did not understand what Dr. Cantilo was driving at, it was impossible for him to comment, but that he thought that if the idea had any utility it should be submitted to the Neutrality Committee at Rio for its consideration and advice.
I remarked to the Minister that I knew that Mr. Welles would be glad to learn that the views of Dr. Ostria Gutierrez coincided precisely with his own, since it was Mr. Welles’ view also that suggestions involving international law should be submitted to the Committee at Rio which had been established to consider questions of international law.