834.00/6–748: Telegram

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

confidential
us urgent

280. Re Embtel 277, June 51 Diplomatic Corps met 11 a. m. today. Agreed on following:

1.
Have no official contact with Frutos Government pending receipt instructions from respective Foreign Offices.
2.
Notify Corps Dean as soon as reply received from respective governments.
3.
Dean to call meeting of Corps when all replies received, or if something special arises requiring attention.

No formal agreement prepared. From discussion seemed evident all missions represented expected extension of recognition. Argentine Ambassador Arriola exception who scarcely opened his mouth. Must be recalled Argentina has been pro-Morinigo and Arriola outspoken his opposition to Gonzalez.2

Embassy believes de facto regime presently full control of government. Asuncion has accepted change almost lethargically. Embassy has no reason to doubt regime’s declared intention respect obligations and international pacts entered into by previous governments. Embassy considers the spirit if not the letter of the constitution was followed in the selection of new president. Article 58 states that in case of presidential resignation Interior Minister will call a joint session of House of Representatives and Council of State to elect the provisional president. Article 62 provides for varied composition Council of State including all cabinet members.

Comments: There was no Interior Minister to call the joint session (National Assembly) since all cabinet members had resigned. Session [Page 110] was convoked by Colonel Carlos Montanaro, chief of the revolutionary military forces. Similarly a full Council of State did not attend Assembly because there were no cabinet members. Neither public nor Diplomatic Corps informed identity and number of members of House Representatives and Council of State attending Assembly. Whatever be meaning Article 58 must be remembered that Morinigo’s resignation was signed under duress and does not represent his own volition.

Embassy anxious see recognition question cleared up promptly because of five US missions to Paraguay and the arrival on June 13 of Major General E. H. Brooks from Panama. With so many non-Embassy activities it is difficult not to prejudice recognition decision by Department. It is presumed Department will recognize de facto government but Embassy awaits instructions.

Warren
  1. Not printed.
  2. J. Natalicio González, elected on February 15, 1948 for the presidential term beginning August 15, 1948.