810.20 Defense/3–2745
The Ambassador in Bolivia ( Thurston ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 7.]
Subject: Bilateral Military Staff Conversations; United States–Bolivia.
Sir: I have the honor to refer to the Department’s confidential telegraphic instruction no. 115, of February 16, 8 p.m., and to report that the Bilateral Military Staff Conversations discussed therein were initiated in La Paz March 23, 1945.
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General Brett and his party (somewhat changed as to composition) arrived at La Paz at midday March 22. I met them at the airport, and thereafter they called at the Embassy where a plan of procedure was discussed. This plan, submitted by General Brett in writing (a [Page 563] copy is attached hereto8) seemed not to be in conflict with the statement of procedure enclosed with the Department’s secret circular instruction of January 16, 1945 entitled “Proposed Bilateral Staff Conversations” and I accordingly expressed my approval of it. At the same time I stated to General Brett that no political matters should be dealt with in the Conversations and that I desired a daily written report of developments. (Department’s telegram no. 115, February 16, 8 p.m.). General Brett agreed to both conditions, adding that any subject of a political nature introduced by the Bolivians would be referred to me.
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Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩