834.00/6–1647: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Paraguay
158. Herald Tribune June 5 carried delayed copyright desp by Mac R. Johnson datelined Asunción June 3 quoting Pres Morínigo as saying:
“I invite all nations in the Inter-American System to send observers to Paraguay for the elections so they may observe and testify to the honesty and fairness of the balloting.”
Amb Beaulac confirms that Pres Morínigo told him that he had extended such an invitation to the other American republics thru correspondent of Newsweek.
While this Govt is naturally gratified at any move in direction establishment democratic institutions in Paraguay, we believe subject delicate one to be approached with caution. In authorizing you to discuss matter with Pres it is suggested you seek to obtain some indication his conception how this project wd operate. For example, having [Page 986] in mind practical problems in presence foreign govt representatives in period of probable political tensions, consideration might be given to inviting instead representatives of foreign press. In any case, terms of ref shd be specifically clear and it shd be understood that at least several other American republics wd also participate.
For your conf info we wd prefer to see press rather than govt reps invited.