740.00112A European War 1939/28911: Telegram
The Ambassador in Bolivia (Boal) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:21 p.m.]
737. For Bonsai.27 Reference Embassy’s 730, April 14, 5 p.m.28 I have asked Ramsey to prepare some further basic data as to possible methods of control of Axis and Proclaimed List interests in Bolivia which might be open to the Bolivian Government in view of the step it has taken looking to an eventual formal declaration of war.29
Such measures might include the establishment of a Bolivian Proclaimed List on which Axis or cloaking firms might be placed progressively as replacement for them is organized. It might also include the appointment of an alien property custodian and the idea of arriving at the naming of a person who could be relied on to act effectively. It might further include if that is possible a transfer of some of the existing controls, particular[ly] financial controls, to that person.
I hope to have Ramsey’s conclusions by tomorrow night to be in a position to approach the Government the day after tomorrow or April 19. I will appreciate having your views on the subject of such an approach and on the matters brought up in Mr. Ramsey’s No. 730, April 14, 5 p.m., before initiating these discussions.
We contemplate the possibility of arriving at an understanding involving a statement by the Bolivian Government of what it might be willing to do either prior to or subsequent to the meeting of Congress and requesting replacement financial assistance from the United States so that the matter may be on Bolivian initiative rather than ours.
Therefore, if anything is to be accomplished [apparent omission] in the form of an approach by the Bolivian Government and a subsequent memorandum of understanding during President Peñaranda’s departure. In fact as the Development Corporation is having a meeting on April 26 at which a representative of the Export-Import Bank will be present it would really be necessary to have this groundwork laid before that time so as to be fully informed of the measures the Development Corporation will take before President Peñaranda’s departure. Under these circumstances if it is desired that I make the approach conversations should be begun as soon as possible.