Editorial Note
Between April 9 and 11, 1952, opposition forces led by the Movimiento Nacional Revolucionario (MNR), the party of Dr. Víctor Paz Estenssoro, overthrew the ruling military junta in Bolivia headed by President Hugo Ballivián Rojas. Extensive documentation relating to the coup is in Department of State file 724.00 for 1952.
At the Secretary’s staff meeting, held April 10, 1952, Assistant Secretary Miller, in response to a question from Secretary Acheson concerning the situation in Bolivia, stated in part the following: “It is clear that this [upheaval] is an internal fight, but unfortunately it may be played up as part of our difficulties with Bolivia on tin. If there is no change in the government we will go ahead with our negotiations today, making an offer of $1.18 plus a loan for building concentration plants.” (Notes of the Secretary’s staff meeting, held April 10, 1952, Secretary’s Staff Meetings, lot 63 D 75)
On April 13, 1952, at the Secretary’s staff meeting held that day, however, Mr. Miller stated in part that “we cannot negotiate further with the Bolivians on tin because of the overthrow of the government. It will be some time before we recognize the government [established as a result of the coup]. Some elements in the present government favor nationalization [of the tin mines], but it is reported that some of the more sober officials suggest that this is unwise.” (Notes of the Secretary’s staff meeting, held April 13, 1952, Secretary’s Staff Meetings, lot 63 D 75)
The Secretary’s staff meetings, held twice a week during the period 1952–1960, were attended by the Under Secretary of State, Assistant Secretary of State, certain members of the Executive Secretariat, and certain office directors. A broad range of policy matters was discussed at these meetings, and the Secretary normally presided.