824.00/3079: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia (Woodward) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:40 p.m.]
1017. From Ambassador Warren. Following my arrival here on Saturday afternoon, I met with Villarroel twice on Sunday. The first meeting took place in the home of the Acting Chief of the American Military Mission78 and was of social nature. Villarroel was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Pinto, Minister of National Defense in the Provisional Government. The second meeting was held in the home of Foreign Minister Baldivieso and was attended by Villarroel, Baldivieso and Villarroel’s aide. I was accompanied by Woodward and Bennett.79 General [Woo]ten, Commander of the Sixth Air Force, was present at both conversations and he saw Villarroel again this morning.
The Provisional Government regards recognition by the United States as its fundamental need at the present time and is disposed to attempt to trade deportation of Axis nationals for such recognition. I have informed members of the Government with whom I have talked that there is not the slightest possibility of any arrangement of that nature. Discussions are continuing.
There has been no publicity in Bolivia concerning my presence here. [Warren.]