724.34119/678: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9 p.m.]
246. From Braden. Your 148, October 28, 7 p.m. Reply delivered this afternoon with following changes in second paragraph. Your [Page 74] emendations made. The words “the urgency and” omitted. For the words “this week” substitute “by Monday, November 2.
I have telegraphed Howard text of the Conference reply for delivery to Stefanich with the following comments:
“The Conference begins to feel that the Paraguayan Government has not and is not now displaying the confidence in it which they have so often reiterated. Such a want of faith is disturbing to the work of pacification and would make difficult the attainment of the high end sought. So anxious is the Conference to have Dr. Stefanich understand its sentiments and wishing to reenforce the reports which the Paraguayan delegation has subsequently made the Conference deems it wise to transmit this message through your kind offices to His Excellency. The Conference would under no circumstances without the express accord of both parties consent to any alteration no matter how slight in the provisions of the protocol. In view of the many incidents which have occurred in the Chaco the Conference feels that it is absolutely essential that the obligations it has of “control” and “vigilance” should be effectively regulated. In spite of the fact that the Conference could take this step on its own initiative yet in keeping with the spirit and practice of its deliberations it has requested both Paraguay and Bolivia each to name two officers to a special reglementation commission.
The Conference, when suggesting that this practical question be handled in this manner, had two ideas in mind; first, that the best interests of Paraguay and of Bolivia would be thus served; second, the Conference having great confidence in the abilities and experience of the military officers feels that it is peculiarly fitting that the solution of the matter be submitted to them. In reference to belief the Conference expects that the special commission will be able to arrive at a mutually satisfactory reglementation which will bring about a reduction of the military establishments in both countries and insure the effectiveness of the security measures and of the non-aggression pact which were specifically renewed in the January 21 protocolized act at the instance of the Paraguayan Government and delegation.
Therefore the Conference earnestly hopes that the Paraguayan Government will appoint forthwith their two delegates which as an immediate consequence will lead to the restoration of the cordial atmosphere so essential to the tranquil prosecution of its labors.”
- [Braden]
- Weddell