824.20/170: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia (Dawson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:55 p.m.]
312. Department’s 216, October 31, 5 p.m. Minister of Foreign Affairs informed me this afternoon that Cabinet had decided on immediate cancellation of contract of Italian military mission but that Minister of War desired to retain three members of it on new private contracts to continue teaching mapping, drawing, et cetera, in staff college at Cochabamba as there were no substitutes available. He [Page 421] promised me details as to names of men, subjects taught and proposed lengths of contracts which will be forwarded when received. I feel that retention of any members of Italian military mission in whatever capacity is objectionable and respectfully recommend that the Department insist on Bolivian Government’s keeping fully to its commitment. It might be possible for substitute instructors to be furnished by the United States Army as an additional military mission.