824.24/437: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia ( Dawson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:21 p.m.]
270. My 43, January 28, 6 p.m.34 Minister of Foreign Affairs this afternoon showed me telegram he is sending Guachalla based on pessimistic reports from Toro to the Minister of Defense35 that lend-lease equipment for Bolivia will be held down in amount and delayed in delivery. The Minister pictures anarchy in Bolivia if full lend-lease requests are not met.
While the telegram is special pleading and grossly exaggerated I do believe it would be advisable to deliver 8 or 10 airplanes to Bolivia well before August 6 when Congress next meets for domestic political effect as well as some dual purpose machine guns for mounting on trucks ordered by Bolivian Army which have received export clearance. Expediting shipment of trucks would also be helpful.
Toro and Guachalla also complain about failure to appoint military instruction mission to replace expelled Italian mission. If at all possible rapid assignment of at least part of mission would be advisable as staff schools are disrupted and we should quickly counteract Italian influence on officers.
Toro also complained about treatment Bolivian Army pilots are receiving in the United States. I outlined situation and suggested that attempts be made through Bolivian Embassy in Washington to make them learn English so that they would be eligible for Army training.
[Page 530]I explained to Foreign Minister as I have before to the Minister of Defense that lend-lease shipments must necessarily be subordinated to our own war necessities and that I was sure everything possible was being done to fill Bolivian needs but that they should understand delay.