File No. 834.00/105.
The American Minister to
the Secretary of State.
No. 40, Paraguay.]
American Legation,
Montevideo,
July 6, 1911.
Sir: I have the honor of transmitting copy of
a letter received today from Consul Ferris at Asuncion, giving the
latest political events in Paraguay.
I have [etc.]
[Inclosure.—Extract.]
The American Consul at
Asuncion to the American Minister
to Uruguay.
American Consulate,
Asuncion,
July 1, 1911.
Dear Mr. Morgan: It is not easy to give
you a definite account of the political situation as it has
developed within the last few days, as resignations and arrests are
occurring faster than one can keep posted about them, and reports of
all kinds are very numerous and uncertain. The feeling against the
President [Jara] has steadily increased. He has alienated all the
support which he had been able to draw to himself. * * * The streets
are being patrolled to prevent people collecting. Orders have been
issued by judicial officials against unauthorized acts ordered by
the President, but there is no one to execute such judicial orders.
* * * There is a complete deadlock between the President and
Congress. * * * Practically the Government is falling to pieces.
Everyone expects an outbreak here in the city at any moment. The
President has the support of the army, but without officers. They
are all disaffected. With such a state of disorganization the
situation is desperate enough. The Argentine gunboat stationed here
will probably prevent extreme disorder, but security from that
source is counterbalanced by the attitude of Brazil. You
[Page 1268]
may recall Mr. Duval’s
statement to me that his Government would expect an equal influence.
They still have a monitor and cruiser in this port. I believe I
wrote you that the Argentine commander had orders to close this port
in case matters became very bad. The telegraph service can not be
relied upon for quick communication. For six months past it has
taken four days to send a message to Buenos Aires. La Prensa will
probably keep you better posted than I can, though I shall do my
best.
