824.01/7–2946: Telegram
The Ambassador in Chile (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:07 p.m.]
695. For Braden. Discussed informally with Fernández42 the Bolivian matter. He clearly had impression that we would initiate exchange of views and apparently was awaiting our views. He thought we should have awaited result of elections before recognizing the defunct regime, but went along with us on Warren report. He is in doubt as to significance of recent revolution.
He evidently feels that all should depend on whether new regime can (1) maintain law and order and (2) whether new regime is really liberal and democratic and (3) whether new people are communistically inclined. He has heard that big tin corporations, subjected to impossible laws and regulations, used money to prevent Army from [Page 366] defending Villarroel regime and wonders whether they have bought a pig in a poke. I have no doubt he will go along with us.
Uruguayan Ambassador43 told me last night his Government thinks recognition should come promptly. Depcirtel July 26, 9 p.m. indicates we step aside to permit some other American government initiate consultation.
Immediate appointment of Ostria Gutiérrez as new Bolivian Ambassador here is favorable sign since he, as Foreign Minister, was first to expel a German diplomat, and has been most partial to US. He resigned at once when late regime came in and has lived here in exile. He is Liberal and Democrat.
Will again see Fernández and report his observations on ours in above Depcirtel July 26.
Repeated to La Paz.