724.34119/265: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:32 p.m.]
268. From Gibson. Your 156, October 31, 5 p.m. The neutral delegates are, of course, in full agreement that if the Bolivian and Paraguayan replies to the October 15 proposal show any possibilities of direct agreement, the Conference should remain in session until they are exhausted. There has been no consideration of adjournment, whether for a short or a long period, under such circumstances.
My 267 was prompted by the necessity for reporting that the Bolivian and Paraguayan delegates here give us a different and less hopeful forecast. I considered it desirable that you have the picture before you in order to avoid loss of time in readjustment if developments here bring about an impasse.
Zubizarreta and Elío, in their conversations with us, have given us clearly and repeatedly to understand that the replies will ask for such fundamental changes in the proposal as to be irreconcilable. They have themselves expressed the opinion that direct agreement is impossible at this time and both favor adjournment.
The replies will probably be delayed until next week when I shall, of course, report in full, and you will be able to judge as to the line we had best take. [Gibson.]