824.00/3080: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia (Woodward) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:47 p.m.]
1020. This Embassy’s 1017, May 8, 4 p.m. From Warren. I talked this morning with Foreign Minister Baldivieso on his request at his house. During our conversation Baldivieso informed me that the Provisional Government has decided to detain and expel Axis nationals from Bolivia in line with our discussions of Sunday evening. Baldivieso emphasized that this decision is based on the desire of Villarroel Government to identify itself positively with the Allied war effort and to give further evidence of its solidarity with the United States and the other American Republics. He informed me that the decision was taken by unanimous vote of the Cabinet yesterday evening and that his Government is prepared to initiate discussions immediately concerning the Axis nationals to be deported. Appropriate [Page 458] members of the Embassy staff including the Legal Attaché are now in conference with Lieutenant Colonel Pacheco, Minister of Government and Justice, with respect to the persons on whom action is to be taken. Arrangements are also being made for organizing a schedule of simultaneous detention in various population centers of the country and immediate evacuation by air facilities offered by the Sixth Air Force. Brigadier General Wooten as Commander of the Sixth Air Force is working out these arrangements today with the Ministers of Defense and Government. [Warren.]