834.7962/64

The Ambassador in Paraguay ( Frost ) to the Secretary of State

No. 1611

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Department’s confidential telegraphic instruction No. 483 of December 1, [Page 688] 7:00 p.m., with respect to the change of plans for the Asunción airport.

The Paraguayan Government has as yet not been informed that the construction of the east-west runway is no longer contemplated; and subject to the Department’s instructions it would seem well that the matter be not brought to the attention of the authorities here at this juncture. At the time when the airport shall be completed there will be a possibility that the Government may not feel disposed to make an issue of the point. The circumstances may well be such in mid-February or early March, when the work is expected to end, that difficulties may be avoided.

In the meanwhile the very helpful observations which the Department has furnished will be borne in mind. The Paraguayan Government has thus far been disposed to accord frank recognition and appreciation of the innumerable advantages which it has received from our Government.

Respectfully yours,

Wesley Frost