724.34119/1120: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:16 p.m.]
235. From Braden. Your 114, November 30, 7 p.m. No reply to the Conference has been made yet by Bolivia but the delegate rather favors rejecting modus vivendi hoping thus to emphasize Paraguayan insubordination to protocols as these are interpreted by the Conference in contrast with Bolivian orthodoxy. The Brazilian delegate and I have repeatedly pointed out that the modus vivendi is not equivalent to the bases and regulations but is a means of achieving minimum security required in the Chaco for the life of the Conference. Strongly recommending acceptance we have contended that Bolivia’s juridicial position will be protected by the projected Conference reply to the Paraguayan October 20 note and she could further clarify it in a note addressed to the Conference; Bolivian position would also be strengthened by being conciliatory once again. [Braden.]