Paris Peace Conf. 723.2515/2: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in France ( Bliss )
[Received December 14—9:20 a.m.]
23. For the Secretary of State. Department informed by Legation at La Paz that it is the intention of the Bolivian Government to send a special embassy to Washington for the purpose of congratulating the Government of the United States on the outcome of the war and for the purpose of presenting the case of Bolivia for the acquisition of a port. The Bolivian Minister for Foreign Affairs states that the case of Bolivia is precisely similar to that of Servia, that it is necessary for Bolivia to occupy a position which will enable it to communicate and carry on commerce with the outside world without having to obtain the consent of another country. The Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that there was a very considerable body of opinion in Chile in favor of the cession of Arica to Bolivia and he claims that a similar body of opinion exists in part [Peru?] but that it is less [Page 554] articulate in Peru because of Peruvian grievances against Chile. Regarding the Tacna Arica question he pointed out that with Bolivia placed between Chile and Peru, the peace of South America would be more secure. He stated that the Bolivian Government is anxious to have the United States take the initiative in the settlement of the problem either by making specific suggestions for settlement to the countries involved or by calling a conference of the three to be held under the presidency of the Secretary of State or by any other method deemed suitable by the Secretary. If under the rules to be adopted by the Peace Conference nations other than those which have actually participated in the war are to be allowed to send representatives, it is the intention of the Bolivian Government to send delegates to the Conference; these delegates will bring to the attention of the Conference the problem herein referred to unless the United States has in the meantime taken steps looking toward a settlement. The Bolivian Government would prefer to have the proceedings for the settlement initiated and presided over by the United States. The opinion of the President is desired as to whether this Government should signify a willingness to receive a special embassy from Bolivia and as to whether the question of the desire of Bolivia for a port is to be taken up at the Peace Conference.