725.34/18: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Chile (Sevier)
60. Your 66, August 7, 8 p.m. This Government is gravely concerned by the dangers inherent in the withdrawal of the Chilean Minister from Asunción, although it does not construe the action taken as implying a desire on the part of the Chilean Government to break diplomatic relations between Chile and Paraguay. The situation which has already developed and the possibility that this may lead to a complete severance of diplomatic relations appear seriously to jeopardize the possibility of a successful outcome of the existing negotiations for a pacific solution of the Chaco controversy. Moreover, [Page 307] any open break in relations between two of the American Republics is necessarily a cause for apprehension to all of the other Republics of the Continent.
In view of these facts, please obtain, immediately, an interview with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and state to him confidentially the feeling of sincere regret with which this Government would view a continuation of the ill feeling between Chile and Paraguay and state that the Government of the United States would consider it a privilege if the Government of Chile desired to avail itself of its friendly services in attempting to find a solution of the difficulty which has arisen between Chile and Paraguay which might be equally acceptable to both. You may remind Dr. Cruchaga of the pleasure with which the Department of State acceded to his suggestion that the Government of the United States express its concern, some time ago, to Paraguay at the increase in tension between Chile and Paraguay and state that we would now be happy if we could be of service in bringing about a restoration of normal and friendly relations between the two countries. You should be particularly careful to make it clear that this Government has no opinion to offer as to the merits of the present controversy.
This Government is advised by the Government of Brazil that it is addressing an identical inquiry to the Chilean Government, and the Government of the United States would, of course, be glad to act jointly with the Government of Brazil should the Chilean Government so desire.
Please cable the reply made to the above inquiry at the earliest possible moment.