824.00/5–3046: Telegram

The Chargé in Bolivia (Adam) to the Secretary of State

confidential
us urgent

477. As I suspected state of siege has been declared. Also arrested Enrique Hertzog,7 Nestor Galindo and Air Force officer named Etchenique. There are vague rumors of civilian uprising last night in Oruro and radio announcement of state of siege mentioned a revolutionary plot as basis of Govt’s action. However, it may well be that any such revolutionary plot was Govt inspired so that some excuse for repressive action might be given.

There are continued rumors of revolutionary movements and these arrests may well be a fishing expedition to try and discover real authors [Page 342] as well as having secondary result of suppressing constant newspaper opposition.

Meanwhile La Paz remains completely calm.

Adam
  1. Former Cabinet member.