834.50/23: Telegram
The Ambassador in Paraguay ( Frost ) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 21—3:45 a.m.]
157. Referring to my despatch no. 535 of April 1013 Foreign Minister14 on April 17 requested me orally with approval of President Morínigo to invite United States to send an economic survey mission to Paraguay similar to that now functioning in Bolivia. In response to my suggestion he promised to instruct Ambassador Velázquez by [Page 655] airmail leaving April 19 to deliver same invitation at Washington. Nevertheless Argaña insisted that I convey the request likewise. He promised to address me in writing but I doubt if he will do so until there is some indication from Washington of a favorable attitude toward request. The apprehensiveness and sensitiveness here as to possible rebuffs phenomenal. I earnestly hope that the Department can afford prompt reassurance and acceptance.
Early arrival of economic mission seems especially important because of what we have already done in other countries watched by Paraguay. She feels that her lack of key materials accounts for relative lack of interest of Washington in her problems and that if our friendship is genuine we should be as helpful in a poor country as in one with many resources.
I also hope that some official of the Department can be assigned to assist Velázquez daily and in detail until arrangements for $900,000 credits and if possible some other immediate project are actually completed and announced. The fear has been expressed to me by Cabinet Ministers and I personally share it that he is not sufficiently practical and aggressive to get prompt results in Washington under present conditions there. Prompt results are urgently desirable for a multitude of political reasons here.