Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, The American Republics, Volume IV

734.00/5–1254

Memorandum by the Secretary of State to the President ¹

confidential

Washington , May 11, 1954.

Subject:

• Recognition of New Paraguayan Government

During the past ten days the Paraguayan Government has undergone a revolutionary change. The Department does not foresee that the new government will differ substantially from its predecessor. The change resulted from rivalries within the ruling Colorado Party and no outside influences are considered to have been involved. The new regime appears firmly in control of the country. The United States Chargé d’Affaires² reports that members of the diplomatic corps in Asunción are recommending recognition of the new government prior to Paraguay’s National Holiday, May 14, 1954.

I recommend that you authorize me to instruct our Embassy to resume relations with the new Paraguayan Government provided satisfactory assurances are obtained that the new government will assume all its foreign obligations.³

J[ohn] F[oster] D[ulles]

1. Drafted by John K. Havemeyer of the Office of South American Affairs, cleared in draft with Mr. Atwood and Mr. Belton, and delivered to the White House on May 11.
2. David M. Maynard, Counselor of Embassy.
3. The source text bears the following handwritten notation, initialed by President Eisenhower: “OK DE 12 May 1954”. On May 13, after having received verbal assurances that the new government would honor Paraguay’s international obligations. Chargé Maynard informed the Paraguayan Foreign Office of the continuation of relations (734.00/5–1354).