834.00/8–1847: Telegram
The Chargé in Paraguay (Trueblood) to the Secretary of State
465. Government’s position much improved and safety Asunción apparently assured as result govt offensive beginning yesterday which has broken up rebels into three main groups. Three govt combat teams totalling some 2,400 men mainly from First Corps now operating to clear up countryside. Civil airport, Lugue and San Lorenzo all retaken. Foregoing confirmed personally by Military and Air Attachés. Our military planes intact and gasoline supplies, tools, etc., not taken, although undetermined amount damage done to Air Mission HQ.
Air mission OGT Allen, whose home near airport, taken prisoner by rebels but later released after being robbed of some personal belongings and subjected to questioning by rebel major. Latter specifically asked how many US aviators had come down to help Morínigo and seemed convinced that this had happened. Rebel officers stated that they were out to get US pilots. Fact that Communist leader Barthe reliably reported to be with rebel troops obviously pertinent with respect to foregoing statements.
Govt has started to use airport again. No rebel plane over city since Saturday when it was reported one plane shot down by govt gunfire.
Food shortage in Asunción acute, but can be expected improve rapidly now that rebels pushed back out of nearby producing areas. Fresh milk should be received city tomorrow from Sfica dairy which came through heavy fighting intact and is now within govt lines.
[Page 994]Fighting during past few days reported bloodiest of war, and many wounded now in Asunción hospitals. Reports of atrocities both sides prevalent with some unconfirmed rumors to effect that both sides shooting volunteer soldiers rather than take them prisoners. However, govt has set up prison camp near city and has undetermined amount prisoners there now.
Air Attaché flying Rio tomorrow with mail pouch and will bring back women previously evacuated and supplies (Embtel 449, August 12). No information yet as to when regular airmail service will be resumed.
Sent Dept 465, repeated Rio 131, Buenos Aires 170.