824.01/445: Telegram
The Ambassador in Bolivia (Boal) to the Secretary of State
La Paz, January
26, 1944—6 p.m.
[Received January 26—4:46 a.m.]
[Received January 26—4:46 a.m.]
333. Andrade45 told a member of the Legal Attaché’s office the following:
- 1.
- The Junta is prepared to do anything to stay in power, believing that when the truth is known recognition will follow.
- 2.
- Nonrecognition may be a good thing for Bolivia in the long run if it forces Bolivians to rely on themselves and develop other resources than tin. The suffering will be good for the character of Bolivian people.
- 3.
- Bolivia’s rubber, tin and quinine will be sold to the United States as before if the United States still wishes to buy.
- 4.
- Junta will attempt to remain friendly with United Nations rather than turn abruptly toward Argentina. With patience Junta will await recognition.
- 5.
- Some Junta members are still attempting to remove Céspedes46 and Montenegro47 but early action appears unlikely.
- 6.
- Junta will not call elections until election laws are changed to increase electorate from 1,000 to approximately 400,000 of total population.
Boal