136. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in Bolivia1

191823. Subject: Political Situation. Ref: La Paz 5973.2

1. The situation is fragile. The August 1 date, when Pereda presents his political plans to the military is crucial. It would be most desirable if there were a quickened electoral timetable, but it appears that if we press much harder Pereda may not be able to sell anything to the military, leading to a period of lengthy de facto rule under Pereda or some other general.

2. Accordingly, we authorize you to tell Pereda, through Tapia or Arce, that we are prepared to indicate maintenance of relations prior to his August 6 speech, so long as he is able to convince the military in his August 1 meeting to approve a credible plan for a genuine restoration of the process of democratic political development, encompassing a reasonable date for fair and open elections with adequate steps to assure the opportunity for political parties to fully participate, protection of individual rights and an early lifting of the state of seige. If this will help in his discussions with the military, he should feel free to use it.3 If August 1 goes well, we will proceed to affirm discreetly at an appropriate moment that we are continuing relations, making [Page 429] clear in accordance with our practice that this implies neither approval nor disapproval of the regime.4

Vance
  1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, no film number. Confidential; Niact Immediate; Nodis. Sent for information Immediate to the White House. Drafted by McNeil; cleared by Vaky, Schneider, in S/S-O, and in substance by Pastor; approved by Newsom.
  2. See Document 135.
  3. In telegram 6062 from La Paz, July 31, Boeker reported that he delivered the message to Pereda, via Tapia, on July 29. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840153-1907) In telegram 6107 from La Paz, August 1, Boeker reported on his meeting with Pereda and Natusch. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840153-1909)
  4. In a memorandum to Carter, July 31, Vance noted that Boeker had been authorized “to communicate privately to Pereda now that we are prepared to indicate continuance of relations prior to his August 6 speech so long as he is able to convince the military to approve his plan.” Next to this sentence, Carter wrote, “ok.” (Carter Library, National Security Affairs, Brzezinski Material, Subject File, Evening Reports (State), 7/78) In telegram 6188 from La Paz, August 3, Boeker recommended that he be authorized to acknowledge a note announcing Pereda’s assumption of the presidency and to meet with Anaya regarding “on-going business,” following Pereda’s meetings with the garrisons. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, P840153-1880) In telegram 6172 from La Paz, August 2, the Embassy reported on the note that announced Pereda’s assumption of the presidency. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D780316-1014)