Foreign Relations of the United States, Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The American Republics, Volume VII

824.00/12–1244: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Certain Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics ¹⁸

Washington, December 12, 1944—4 p.m.

Under date of December 8 the Uruguayan Ambassador presented a confidential note from his Government dated December 7¹⁹ proposing joint representations by the American Republics to the Bolivian Government through their respective diplomatic representatives in La Paz to express the hope that the summary executions without trial that followed the abortive revolution of November 19²⁰ would not be continued.

This Government has replied confidentially that it has shared the general dismay at the executions, that it already expressed its concern to the Bolivian Government, that there has been no recurrence of such acts in several weeks, and the Bolivian Government has indicated its intention that there shall be none, and that, consequently, the reasons for such a joint démarche as is suggested by Uruguay would no longer appear to have force. The reply concludes that the Uruguayan proposal should be given immediate and renewed consideration should it at any time appear that there may be a repetition of the circumstances that gave rise to it. Text of notes follows by airgram.²¹

If you are approached by the Government regarding this matter, you may use the above information in your discretion.

Stettinius

18. Sent to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
19. Not printed.
20. A revolutionary outbreak at Oruro and Trinidad in which an army regiment occupied Oruro and established a provisional government. With the approach of other army units the movement collapsed and was followed by the arrest of a considerable number of partisans of former President Enrique Peñaranda.
21. Not printed.