824.00/807: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:55 p.m.]
99. From Braden. Saavedra Lamas5 absent from Buenos Aires until Monday but Foreign Office officials seem to feel that the new Bolivian Government will require recognition. My Brazilian colleague, however, has cabled his Government that since we are treating with a de facto government created by virtue of a mandate emanating from the army and as that same army appointed Busch for the same duties when Toro resigned there should be no need for a new recognition which would entail delays in the Chaco negotiations.
Since Saavedra Lamas, egged on by the Paraguayans, might endeavor to create further delay in our negotiations using recognition as an excuse, I respectfully recommend that if relations are not automatically continued with Busch régime that recognition be accorded at the earliest possible moment. My Peruvian colleague believes his Government will not consider recognition necessary. Have not yet been able to consult with Chilean and Uruguayan delegates.
My No. 98, July 14, 6 p.m., Baldivieso informs me that he has cabled Busch requesting permission to reply regarding appointment on his arrival in La Paz on July 24. He is somewhat doubtful whether he will accept. … He will condition acceptance on elections for constitutional government being held by December. However, Alvéstegui believes he will wind up by accepting although he would prefer a more political portfolio than that of Foreign Affairs. [Braden.]
- Carlos Saavedra Lamas, Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Argentine delegation to the Chaco Peace Conference, and President of the Conference.↩