740.0011 Pacific War/760: Telegram

The Chargé in Bolivia (Dawson) to the Secretary of State

356. Department’s circulars December 7, 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Minister of Foreign Affairs24 informs me orally that President and Cabinet authorize him to state that Bolivia is shocked by the barbarous attack on the United States and will cooperate loyally with the United States, similar statement by him published in this morning’s press. He added that he would express this formally in reply25 to my note delivered to him in compliance with circular of December 7, 4 p.m.

From questions which Minister asked concerning attitude of other American Republics, it seems probable Bolivia will await action of neighboring countries before deciding how far its “cooperation” will go. President and Cabinet officers have canceled trip scheduled to southern Bolivia because of international situation.

The two pro-democratic newspapers have published strong editorials supporting the United States but others have not yet commented. Legation has received numerous expressions of sympathy, offers to volunteer, et cetera. Public opinion is mostly with us on our feeling, is superficial and based largely on fact of Bolivian economic dependence on the United States.

Dawson
  1. Eduardo Anze Matienzo.
  2. For text of formal note, see Department of State Bulletin, December 13, 1941, p. 487.