824.00/3284: Airgram
The Ambassador in Cuba (Braden) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 19—8 a.m.]
A–1292. My telegram No. 570, June 12, 1 p.m.94 Minister of State this morning read me portions of preliminary report Cuban Minister to Chile95 had cabled from Bolivia regarding Bolivian situation. Pizzi de Porras promised fuller report after he has returned to Chile, since he was “afraid of Bolivian censorship.”
Preliminary report gives very unfavorable picture of conditions in Bolivia, alleging terrorism and persecution, that MNR is still influencing the Government behind the scenes, that deposed pro-Nazi officials will be reinstated after elections, et cetera.
Minister of State said that he realized it might appear that Cuba, which had favored prompt recognition, was inconsistent in its attitude, but that he wanted to get full facts. He hoped we would delay [Page 466] any action for several days pending further receipt and exchange of information. He also commented that it might be well to await conduct and result of forthcoming Bolivian elections before finally deciding on recognition policy.
Pizzi de Porras has had close associations with Cuban Communists. It occurs to me that his story, so at variance with Ambassador Warren’s, may reflect views of PIR96 leaders. However, Minister of State is obviously impressed with his criticisms of Bolivian régime.