834.20 Missions/11–1045
The Ambassador in Paraguay (Beaulac) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 19.]
Sir: Supplementing my despatch no. 1259 of November 7, 1945 (Subject: “Suggesting that Military Aviation Mission Agreement with Paraguay be terminated”), and with reference to my telegram no. 551 of November 9, 5 p.m.,34 I have the honor to enclose a copy and a translation of a further note, no. 922 of November 9, from the Paraguayan Foreign Office,34 transmitting additional complaints by the Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff for the “ungentlemanly” and “inconsiderate” manner in which Captain Finegan was returned to the United States, and for the fact that he was relieved without the prior knowledge and consent of the Paraguayan High Command.
I am informed that Captain Finegan’s orders required his immediate departure, and it happened that a military plane, bound for the Panama Canal Zone, passed through Asunción a few days after his orders were received. Captain Finegan and his family embarked on that plane. Passage out of Asunción by commercial plane can be obtained only after several months delay.
I informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially, on October 31, of Captain Finegan’s imminent departure, and Captain Finegan departed three days later. His successor, Major John Washington, serving on a probationary basis, had arrived in Paraguay on October 26.
The officious, abusive tone of the two notes criticizing Colonel Barthelmess, confirms my belief that the Military Aviation Mission Agreement should be terminated. I do not know how we can accept these insults and maintain any prestige here. The whole matter might have been settled through friendly conversation, if the Minister of National Defense, the Chief of the General Staff, and the Chief of the Paraguayan Air Force, had been so inclined.
Respectfully yours,