Office of the Historian

824.248/8–3049: Telegram

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

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La Paz, August 30, 1949—1 a. m.

489. It would be greatly appreciated if immediate reply be sent mytel 484, August 28. Embassy receiving reports of discontent Bolivian Government our failure render any assistance in way of military equipment during this present trial. Military and Air Attaches continue to be subject to further urgent requests high army authorities for immediate supplies.

In conversation which Military Attaché held with General Rivera this morning, former explained that there were probably no Bolivian pilots who could successfully operate high performance fighter and bomber aircraft and therefore this equipment even if available would be of practically no use to Government in this time of need. General Rivera replied that this was possibly so and indicated that he had been urged to apply for equipment by his air officers.

Bolivian loyal forces have approximately 6 AT sizes which are capable of being armed with 30 caliber aircraft type machine guns for which he has neither machine guns nor metal belt links and appropriate ammunition. Embassy inquiries whether this armament and ammunition could not be made readily available either from official or commercial sources and if so, shipped immediately by air. It would immensely hearten Bolivian Government’s morale and improve its means of coping with revolutionary uprising.

As also reported my 484, on advice of Air Attaché, Government could possibly use further AT 6 planes and if these could be made available, psychological effect of this gesture would be most useful here. President assured me and General Rivera also informed Military and Air Attachés that funds are available for purchase foregoing mentioned equipment.

Again repeat that immediate message to me would be most useful in order that I could make some statement to President in reply to his urgent request of Sunday afternoon, August 28. If no better, at least I would hope that Department could authorize me to extend some appropriate expression of sympathy and encouragement. I have already, of course, mentioned to President and other members of [Page 531] Bolivian Government, regrets over this unfortunate trial through which Bolivia is now passing.1.

Espy

  1. The Department’s reply was contained in telegram 221, August 30, to La Paz, the text of which read as follows:

    “You may inform Pres this Govt intends comply requests for arms assistance to the extent permitted existing US legislation.

    This connection you shld state Dept and Emb here urgently exploring possibilities commercial purchase by Bol 30 cal aircraft machineguns metal belt link ammo equip six AT sixes reported urtel 489, Aug 30 available meet present emergency.

    Views expressed urtel 484, Aug 28 re legal authority transfer arms LA countries correctly reflect present situation.” (824.248/8–3049)

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