834.20/138: Telegram
The Ambassador in Paraguay (Frost) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:33 p.m.]
445. Referring airgram 222, May 5, 6: 30 p.m., and plans regarding American military and aviation missions in Paraguay. It has been assumed by Paraguayan Government, as well as Military Attaché and myself, that Department’s communication constituted acceptance of Paraguayan request for instruction mission to take effect as soon as services of Vichy French officers could be terminated. Accordingly, regular course of War College here was cut in half and was ended August 7. Paraguayan authorities have been endeavoring to arrange departure French officers but there are difficulties not soluble by Paraguay.
My conversations at Washington with Bonsal, Bacon, and Wilson38 [Page 690] regarding aviation mission were based on understanding that instruction mission definitely is to be American. It is of paramount and basic importance and any withdrawal now would be regarded as of great gravity by Paraguayan Government.
- Philip W. Bonsal and J. Kenly Bacon, Chief and Assistant Chief, respectively, of the Division of the American Republics; Orme Wilson, Liaison Officer of the Department.↩