824.248/9–849: Telegram

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

secret

514. In official and also some public circles here being voiced rather bitter criticism of US for our government’s failure make available military aircraft which Bolivian Government has requested assist if put down revolution. Besides resentment of Bolivian Air Force I have received appeals for assistance or expressions of dissatisfaction because it is not forthcoming from such quarters as groups of women, the leader of the PUSR, Edmundo Vasquez, and important public figure Rene Ballivian.

Day before yesterday I had a long conversation with Ballivian in an effort to explain to him our position and the realities of the situation. (Re Embtel 502, September 2, and telegram 31 to USAF from Colonel Hussey1) I sought this occasion to confer with Ballivian as I had been indirectly informed that he was proposing have an editorial published on subject in important morning newspaper, La [Page 536] Razón. Ballivian recognized correctness of our position and realities of situation but kept stressing planes needed for morale value to government and democratic elements supporting it.

Yesterday Bolivian Government bought from Manager of Panagra in Lima, Walker, an unarmed P–38, two engine war surplus plane and it was delivered La Paz same day. Price paid reportedly was $6,000. Plane now being equipped with 30 caliber machine guns.

Embassy hopes current feeling resentment die down when present crisis is over and its recommendations remain same those reported its 502 September 2 and particularly Colonel Hussey’s telegram No. 31.2 It is felt necessary, however, apprize Department feeling here.

Embassy understands other 300,000, that was to be provided by Banco Minero for purchase of planes being withheld pending final determination of availability and export of planes from US. Embassy ventures suggest value to Bolivia of investment $300,000 that Pol took with him to US in transport planes. Press today reported seven transport aircraft in hands of rebels out of commission (from possible ten they held). Since need for fighter planes is quickly diminishing transport planes much more necessary for future well being of country.

Espy
  1. Neither printed. Lt. Col. John J. Hussey was the Air Force Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz.
  2. In telegram 502, Mr. Espy reported that the Bolivian Government, without consulting the U.S. Embassy, had sent Bolivian Air Force Major Germán Pol on a mission to the United States to purchase planes. Mr. Espy understood that Major Pol had with him a check for $300,000 and that arrangements were being made to provide him with another $300,000. The portion of telegram 502 containing the Chargé’s recommendations read as follows:

    “I have had full discussion with top Embassy staff, including Air and Military Attaché and in further elaboration telegram sent by Air Attaché we wish call special attention to following factors:

    (a)
    That capability and maintenance facilities Bolivian Air Force is not up to operation fighter type aircraft.
    (b)
    That expenditure of $600,000, therefore, probably unjustified.
    (c)
    That, if planes are used to destroy transport aircraft now in hands of rebel forces and which will probably be out of operation any minute through lack of maintenance and gasoline in short while, this will constitute heavy blow later to Bolivian economy.
    (d)
    That, if statutory limitations would prohibit exportation of fighters purchased by Pol in open market, Pol and Bolivian Government again should be made to understand this immediately upon Pol’s arrival in Washington in order prevent his wasting money involved.” (824.248/9–249)