BOUNDARY DISPUTES-Continued BOLIVIA AND PARAGUAY-continued From the Chargé in Argentina Subject Bolivian-Paraguayan protocol of April 22 (text printed), From the Ambassador in Argentina Advice that Bolivian-Paraguayan plenipotentiaries opened conferences in Buenos Aires on September 29; indications, from press and other sources, that successful outcome of discussions is unlikely because of unyielding attitude on both sides; information that Argentine Government would probably decline to accept membership in arbitral tribunal provided in the protocol. From the Ambassador in Argentina Information that Bolivian-Paraguayan negotiations appear to have reached an impasse, and that plenary sessions have been suspended while a special committee studies various problems including possible establishment of an arbitral tribunal. From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Argentine suggestion to Bolivia and Paraguay that they agree to submit the boundary matter to arbitration, that they substitute police for military in disputed territory and along frontiers, and that they sign a nonaggression pact to be effective until the difficulty is solved; Bolivian misinterpretation of suggestion as Argentine offer to mediate, and Argentine denial; Paraguayan acceptance of suggestion in principle. From the Ambassador in Argentina Resolution of Bolivian-Paraguayan conference to suspend proceedings until March 15, 1928 (text printed); information that in the interim both Governments will consider the Argentine suggestions. Page 316 318 319 321 322 1927 July 28 (181) Aug. 1 COLOMBIA AND NICARAGUA From the Minister in Nicaragua (tel.) Information that Colombian Minister at Managua is ready to reopen discussions with the Nicaraguan Government concerning the San Andrés Archipelago and that, if the Department so desires, the Nicaraguan President will instruct Foreign Minister to commence preliminary negotiations with the Colombian Minister tending toward the settlement proposed by Colombia as set forth in Department's instruction No. 212, March 21, 1925. Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State Conversation with the Colombian Minister concerning the 322 323 a memorandum outlining three possible formulas for settle- Undated [Rec'd From the Colombian Legation 328 Aug. 2] Outline of three possible formulas for settlement of the territorial questions. Aug. 31 (464) From the Minister in Nicaragua 329 Sept. 13 (241) Sept. 14 (141) Desire of Nicaraguan President and American Legation that Department indicate whether it still considers advisable a settlement such as outlined in instruction No. 212 of March 21, 1925, or whether any additional representations and points might be brought up in negotiations. From the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) Inquiry whether Department is now ready to make any suggestion to Nicaraguan Government concerning the San Andrés Archipelago question. To the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) 329 330 Information that Department is giving serious consideration to the question and will forward instructions in the near future. From the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) 330 (260) Request by Nicaraguan President that Chargé ascertain when the Department will be ready to express an opinion on the San Andrés Archipelago question. Oct. 6 (151) To the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) 330 Information that instructions have been delayed because of necessity to await reply from another Department in this connection, but that it is hoped they may be sent before long. From the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) Information that apparently the Nicaraguan Government favors proposal by Colombian Minister at Nicaragua for a settlement leaving San Andrés Archipelago to Colombia, and the Corn Islands and Mosquito Coast to Nicaragua, but that it wishes to do nothing until it hears from the Department. From the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) 330 331 Request by Foreign Minister that Chargé inquire again when Department will be ready to express an opinion on the San Andrés Archipelago question. Nov. 11 (190) To the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) 331 Information that Department expects to be able to give an answer in the near future. BOUNDARY DISPUTES-Continued COLOMBIA AND PERU Date and number Subject Page From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Foreign Minister's assurance to Colombian Minister in Peru that ratification of Colombian-Peruvian boundary treaty will be acted upon by Congress in January; information that American Ambassador has repeatedly urged upon the Peruvian President and Foreign Minister the advisability of prompt ratification. To the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Instructions to take up again with Peruvian Government the matter of ratification, particularly as there exists a danger that Colombia may sever diplomatic relations with Peru if treaty is not ratified, after the repeated promises of President Leguía. From the Ambassador in Peru (tel.) Information that President Leguía told Colombian Minister that he could not submit the boundary treaty to the present Congress because of the delicate situation occasioned by Tacna-Arica question, and that Colombian Minister replied that a dangerous condition of public opinion would be created in Colombia by such delay. Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State Conversation in which the Colombian Minister referred to the continued anxiety of his Government as to Peruvian ratification of the treaty and expressed the hope that the Department would continue to use its good offices. 331 332 333 334 Sept. 7 (39) From the Chargé in Peru (tel.) 335 Intention of Chargé, unless otherwise instructed, to fulfill request of Colombian Minister in Peru that he urge ratification on Foreign Minister. Sept. 9 (28) To the Chargé in Peru (tel.) 335 Information that Department pointed out to Peruvian Sept. 14 (811) Sept. 27 From the Chargé in Peru Advice that Chargé discussed ratification with Foreign Minister and was assured that it would take place in October; opinion that while more active steps are now being taken than heretofore, matters are likely to drag on as in the past, unless it is made clear to the Peruvian Government that the United States understands that a definite assurance has been given. Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of State Conversation, September 26, in which the Ecuadoran Chargé expressed concern over press reports that the United States is urging Peru to ratify the Colombian-Peruvian treaty, because Ecuador feels that this treaty is contrary to her interests and to spirit of 1916 Colombian-Ecuadoran boundary treaty; Assistant Secretary's reply that Ecuadoran-Peruvian boundary difficulty is an entirely separate matter. 336 338 BOUNDARY DISPUTES-Continued COLOMBIA AND PERU-Continued Date and number 1927 Nov. 12 (55) Nov. 15 (44) Dec. 22 (1360) Subject From the Chargé in Peru (tel.) Request for instructions as to whether or not to accede to Colombian Minister's request that Chargé inquire of Peruvian Government as to progress of the treaty and to intimate the hope that ratification will take place before adjournment of Congress on November 17; observation that such an inquiry might be used by those opposing the treaty as evidence that U. S. Government is trying to force hand of Peruvian Government. To the Chargé in Peru (tel.) Information that Department wishes in any proper way to encourage Peruvian ratification but feels confident that the assurances as to consideration of the treaty by the present Congress will not be ignored; authorization to Chargé to use his own discretion in bringing matter to Peruvian Government's attention. From the Colombian Minister Information that the boundary treaty has been approved by Peruvian Congress; expression of appreciation for U. S. good offices. Page 341 342 343 343 Peruvian Government's telegram (text printed), notifying that boundary treaty has been ratified. To the Colombian Minister 344 Reply to note No. 1360 of December 22, 1927, expressing gratification at Peruvian ratification and hope that Colombia and Brazil will soon settle the boundary question remaining between them. Aug. 10 (1057, High Com sioner's Series) Instructions to keep Department informed of developments in the Dominican-Haitian boundary question, which is likely to be discussed during the forthcoming visit to Haiti of President Vasquez of the Dominican Republic. From the Chargé in the Dominican Republic Information from the Haitian Minister that the conversations of President Borno of Haiti with President Vasquez were frank and cordial, and that Minister is optimistic as to a prompt solution of the boundary question, preferably by means of direct negotiations. From the Chargé in Haiti Information that the two Presidents agreed in principle to adopt permanently the status quo; Chargé's opinion that their suggested solution of certain frontier difficulties by means of exchange of territory may open up a phase which would indefinitely delay a solution of the entire matter. 345 345 346 Date and number BOUNDARY DISPUTES-Continued DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND HAITI-Continued Subject Page 1927 Sept. 28 (639) From the Minister in the Dominican Republic Information that President Borno suggested during President Vasquez' recent visit that the two countries sign a treaty of amity; apprehension of President Vasquez that the reported disagreement between President Borno and General Russell, American High Commissioner in Haiti, as to certain constitutional amendments may react unfavorably upon an early settlement of the boundary question. From the Minister in the Dominican Republic Haitian Minister's assurance to President Vasquez that From the Minister in the Dominican Republic Inacceptability to Dominican Government of treaty of amity in its present form, principal objection being to the declaration outlawing war; Foreign Minister's willingness to enter into such a treaty following the settlement of the boundary question or to incorporate the amity treaty provisions in the final boundary treaty. To the Minister in the Dominican Republic Instructions to advise opinion as to possibility that Dominican Government might suggest to Haitian Government that boundary question be submitted to the League of Nations for arbitration. From the Minister in the Dominican Republic Information that Haitian efforts to effect conclusion of treaty of amity have been unsuccessful; opinion that Dominican Government does not intend to submit boundary dispute to League, and that no action will be taken on the boundary question itself prior to the forthcoming visit of President Borno to the Dominican Republic. From the Minister in the Dominican Republic Inauguration of informal Dominican-Haitian conversations in Santo Domingo, December 28, which it is hoped will prepare the way for formal negotiations to settle boundary question. 347 349 350 352 353 354 |