723.2515/2183: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Collier)
67. Following message has been sent today by the Arbitrator to President Siles of Bolivia in reply to the latter’s message of April 19:
[Here follows text of the telegram to the President of Bolivia, supra.]
Above reply has not yet been given to the press, but you may, if you find it advisable, give its substance informally and confidentially, [Page 410] to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In view of importance Chile evidently attaches to this démarche of Bolivia, and its possibly unfortunate effect, we should be in position to act quickly if any attempt is made to make us in any way responsible for Bolivia’s action. I have scrupulously avoided all communication with Bolivia on subject of this controversy. … Has there been anything said in your conversations with Bolivian Minister at Santiago which could justify assertion, should it be made, that we have advised or instigated rupture of direct negotiations between Chile and Bolivia?