724.3415/182
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Bolivia (McGurk)42
Sir: In connection with recent despatches regarding the boundary dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay, the Department desires you to know for your confidential information and guidance that while the Government of the United States is of course always willing to lend its good offices in the cause of international harmony it does not wish at the present time, while the Tacna-Arica controversy is still pending,43 to be placed in the position of undertaking to settle the boundary dispute between Bolivia and Paraguay, either by arbitration or other procedure. It would therefore be somewhat embarrassing if either party should formally request this Government to act, as a refusal would probably be seized upon by the elements anxious to lessen the prestige of the United States.
Since it seems possible that the President of Bolivia or the Minister for Foreign Affairs may mention this matter to you, the Department feels that you should keep its attitude in mind and be guided accordingly, without conveying the impression that you have any definite instructions on the subject.
I am [etc.]