710 Consultation (3)A/572a: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics Except Mexico, Bolivia, and Argentina
The following portions of a telegram sent today to the Embassy at Mexico are set forth for your information and use if the subject is raised:
“Padilla25 has transmitted to the nineteen governments approving (recommendations of Montevideo Committee for Political Defense regarding Bolivian recognition, see Department’s circular telegrams of December 25 and 27 (plain)26 and January 6 and 8 (restricted),27 a suggestion that there be a meeting at an unspecified South American capital, presided over by the corresponding Foreign Minister and attended by the diplomatic representatives there accredited, to exchange information and views and recommend, through the Committee, the action they should take concerning Bolivian recognition.
The Secretary, discussing this proposal with Mexican Ambassador28 Monday, pointed out that various governments had appeared indisposed, on sovereignty grounds, to joint decision on recognition; that, consequently, we were already distributing our information through diplomatic channels as recommended; and expressed hope that each government would announce its decision on recognition after considering all information exchanged. The Ambassador indicated he understood and that proposal might be held in abeyance.
You should clearly understand that the Secretary was appreciative of the basic approach Padilla’s proposal reflects, and was not expressing disapproval in substance but merely suggesting that a different procedure was already agreed to and in motion regarding Bolivian recognition. Should a multilateral gathering or action appear desirable at a later stage, such as in relation to the Argentine problems which appear to concern Padilla and us alike, Department would give the most careful consideration to the Padilla proposal.”