824.00/8–246: Telegram
The Ambassador in Bolivia (Flack) to the Secretary of State
us urgent
[Received August 3—8:30 a.m.]
755. Dean called meeting of Diplomatic Corps noon today particularly to discuss disagreeable experiences suffered by Ecuadoran Minister and Argentine Chargé at hands of civilian armed groups last night (including Legion l’Opera) when Missions were literally menaced by frequent firing in the air and insults showered on them and those in asylum, during the whole night. Ecuadoran Minister particularly bitter. Following on disrespect shown Peruvian Ambassador previous night when his auto was searched (mytel 750, August 1st53). This aroused sharp condemnation by Corps.
[Page 370]Junta has not yet replied to Corps’ representations re egress under safe conduct those in asylum but Corps agreed defer requesting further interview until tommorow in hope of hearing today of Junta’s views.
Entire Corps including myself agreed that key to whole order question in La Paz now is situation of those in asylum since permission for their departure will present a test of Bolivia adherence to existing treaties and the Junta’s authority to maintain order and permit their unmolested departure to another country. Corps thinks inability of Junta to control this situation is beginning to discredit its authority. This will be forcefully expressed to FonMin at first opportunity by Dean. Mexican Chargé also has serious asylum problems and supports the earliest solution of this question. He and other chiefs of mission except Venezuelan, who has already recognized, are informing their Governments separately they consider the solution of the asylum question as essential prior to recognition and recommend abstention until this point clear although all agreed this should not be held over Junta as a club but should be mentioned as a way of expediting eventual recognition. Chilean expressed this view most forcefully and has no one in asylum. No hostility toward Junta evident in matter.
The Dean requested that all having offered asylum limit visits to wives and children to obviate charge of improper communication which apparently has not yet taken place.
The attitude of the press has not been helpful in the asylum questions, since one-sidely it has not pointed out Bolivia’s treaty obligations. Also in attempt to discredit MNR last night’s Ultima Hora rumored possibility Indian revolt instigated by MNR agents. While minor isolated difficulties with Indians may arise, best informed quarters anticipate no major trouble. Diplomatic Corps characterized this press action as harmful to Junta prestige abroad.
Sucre Regiment which aided revolutionaries by abstaining after July 19 seen in limited numbers doing armed patrol duty today in area of diplomatic missions.
Feel our approach to recognition should be slow and keep pace with view of Corps here.
- Not printed.↩