272. Telegram From the Counselor of the Embassy in Bolivia (Gilmore) to the Department of State1

93. Events past few days have convinced me resignation Siles and assumption power either Chavez or Lechin may be imminent. Basis this conclusion is conflict between COB leaders and Siles over La Paz on expropriation and generally increased and aggressive interference of COB in affairs of presidency. Lechin reliably reported last night resigning presidency Senate, which Embassy believes will force vote of confidence to strengthen his position. … I consider it highly probable that left-wing, possibly Communist-dominated elements COB leadership may be spearheading anti-Siles moves behind Lechin front.

I suggest that if foregoing eventualities are to be forestalled the time has arrived to make categorical declaration US position. Accordingly I request authorization to inform Barrau, Siles, Nuflo Chavez, and Lechin simultaneously following:

1.
US Government has noted growing evidence growth in Bolivia of de facto shadow government in form of COB.
2.
US Government considers important sectors this shadow Government probably Communist-dominated.
3.
US Government would view with grave concern any change in titular head GOB at this time since present government reflects expressed will Bolivian people in free elections and any probable alternative must reflect maneuvers special interest groups.
4.
To forestall culmination probable Communist conspiracy within Bolivia, government should take immediate steps to pass strong anti-subversion laws and arrest and try … suspected Communists.…
5.
Pending implementation foregoing condition US is suspending all FY 1956 and FY 1957 relief shipments.
6.
Should there occur a change in GOB reflecting accession to power of shadow government now in evidence, US Government would feel obliged to initiate consultations through OAS pursuant Caracas Resolution Number 93.2

I reiterate that in my opinion time is of the essence. Although Siles undoubtedly still commands wide popular support he lacks [Page 573] organized and armed backers. If we are not to be confronted with a fait accompli which will make our future policy decisions more onerous we should act within next 24 hours.

Gilmore
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 724.00/9–2856. Secret; Niact. Ambassador Drew was in Washington for consultation September 17–29.
  2. Reference to Resolution XCIII, “Declaration of Solidarity for the Preservation of the Political Integrity of the American States Against the Intervention of International Communism,” approved on March 28, 1954, at the Tenth Inter-American Conference which met at Caracas, March 1–28, 1954. For text of the resolution, see Tenth Inter-American Conference: Report of the Delegation of the United States of America with Related Documents (Department of State Publication 5692, Washington, 1955), pp. 156–158. For documentation on the conference, see Foreign Relations, 1952–1954, vol. iv, pp. 264 ff.