723.2515/3412
Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State (White)
The Bolivian Chargé d’Affaires44 called on the Secretary of State on Wednesday, May 29. He stated that, in view of the well-known interest which the United States takes in Latin America and its friendly disposition towards them, as well as the consideration shown to Bolivia in the past with respect to her aspirations for a seaport, he had been instructed to inquire of the Secretary whether he would be willing to join with other countries of this hemisphere in endeavoring to obtain a seaport for Bolivia and, if so, whether the United States would lead the movement.
The Secretary said that the Tacna-Arica question had been settled [Page 806] by Chile and Peru; that Secretary Kellogg had initiated negotiations and had very ably brought them almost to a conclusion, and that the Secretary himself had had the honor of bringing them to a conclusion. The matter is now concluded except for the formalities. It was difficult enough to obtain this happy result, dealing with but two countries, and had a third country come into it a settlement would have been impossible. The Secretary stated that the only way to accomplish results is to take one step at a time and that he very much hoped Bolivia would not do anything which would prevent the final conclusion of the Tacna-Arica matter. When that question is settled, it will be time enough to discuss any further steps. The Secretary thought that after a time, when passions had cooled down, there would be much more of a chance for Bolivia to take up the question of a port. Especially would this be the case if Bolivia, in the settlement of the present dispute with Paraguay,45 shows restraint and dignity. By so doing and making possible a settlement of the Chaco matter, Bolivia will increase her prestige and standing in the eyes of the world and will greatly promote her cause. The Secretary stated that in the case of nations, as in individuals, restraint and dignity in the representation of their claims always wins out, and that time is always on the side of the fair-minded. The Secretary therefore very earnestly urged on the Chargé that his Government should not rush into the matter now but let the Tacna-Arica question between Chile and Peru be definitely settled and out of the way; that Bolivia should exercise patience, restraint and dignity in the handling of its dispute with Paraguay, and should let time heal the breach which now exists between Bolivia and Chile, and that he thought Bolivia would gain more in the end by such tactics than by jumping in now and disturbing and upsetting the situation.
The Chargé thanked the Secretary and said that he was glad to have his opinion and advice in the matter and was sure that his Government would be guided thereby.