824.6363/50: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Minister in Bolivia ( Cottrell )
2. Legation’s 30, November 11, 10 a.m.2 and previous. You are instructed to present this matter to the proper Bolivian official and leave with him the following aide-memoire: 3
“The Government of the United States has noted that clauses to the following effect have been incorporated in certain petroleum concessions understood to have been granted recently by the Bolivian Government. (Here quote clause enclosed with your despatch No. 576.)4
The Government of the United States considers that the insertion of such a clause in concessions of this character constitutes a discrimination against American interests, and that it is inconsistent with the spirit of the provisions of the Treaty of Friendship, Peace, Commerce and Navigation concluded between the Government of Bolivia and the Government of the United States on May 13, 1858. Apart from any question as to the enjoyment by the Bolivian Government of wide latitude in determining what classes of aliens may enjoy particular rights or privileges within its domain, the Government of the United States feels that restrictions such as that now in question should not be applied in such a way as to discriminate against American citizens and in favor of citizens of other nationalities.
[Page 566]The Government of the United States, therefore, feels confident that the Government of Bolivia on having this matter brought to its attention will take such steps as will insure to American citizens equal opportunity with the citizens of other nations in the matter of investments in Bolivia.”
You are instructed to reinforce the above with appropriate oral representations. Department considers it important that this discrimination be done away with.