724.3415/4321: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Gibson)
169. The Department has been informed by cable from the American Consul in Geneva73 that the Chaco Committee yesterday adopted the following resolution.
“The Committee, prompted by the observations formulated in the course of the discussion of the Assembly and in conformity with the resolution adopted by the latter on September 27, has from the moment of its formation attached great importance to the collaboration of the United States of America and of Brazil for the solution of the conflict between Bolivia and Paraguay.
[Page 105]The Committee instructs the President and the Secretary General to choose the opportune moment for seeking this collaboration in the form deemed most appropriate.”
Subsequent to the adoption of the resolution, the Secretary General of the League addressed a letter to the American Consul advising him of the adoption of the resolution and stating that in view of its terms the President of the Chaco Committee and himself would greatly appreciate any information as to the views of this Government concerning “the most opportune moment and most suitable form which might be found for the collaboration which is so keenly desired by the Committee.”
Please inform the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the above at the earliest possible moment and say that this Government would welcome the views of the Brazilian Government regarding the request received from the Secretary General of the League which it assumes has been made in identical form to the representative of Brazil in Geneva. You may further state that in the opinion of this Government there would not seem to be any effective means for collaboration by the United States with the Chaco Committee in its efforts for conciliation in view of the short time elapsing before the convening of the Extraordinary Assembly on November 20 even should the United States desire to collaborate with the Chaco Committee. Furthermore, in view of the fact that this Government has been confidentially advised that certain of the European powers will propose drastic action with regard to Bolivia and Paraguay during the sessions of the Extraordinary Assembly, the impression created by the consistently friendly and impartial attitude displayed by both Brazil and the United States with respect to the two belligerents might be jeopardized were our two Governments to be identified with League efforts at a moment when an acrimonious debate involving the two belligerents may take place in Geneva which might readily incur the resentment of and injure the susceptibilities of both of the two nations involved in the Chaco conflict. Consequently, this Government has determined, in replying to the request of the Secretary General of the League, to limit itself to an expression of appreciation for the friendly tenor of the message; to reiterate the position which the United States has officially and publicly assumed with regard to cooperation with any and all agencies endeavoring to further a peaceful solution of the Chaco dispute; and finally, to state that while the United States, under the circumstances now existing, does not deem this particular moment opportune for collaboration with the League Committee, nevertheless, it will give the invitation conveyed its favorable consideration and should in the future the time come when in the opinion of the United States its cooperation with the League [Page 106] Committee would prove useful in the furtherance of peace in the Chaco, it will so inform the Secretary General of the League and at such time indicate the form in which its cooperation might be offered.
Please cable reply as soon as may be possible.