824.00/776: Telegram
The Chargé in Bolivia (Muccio) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:40 p.m.]
34. My telegram June 22, 10 a.m. Two new members of governing Junta took oath of office June 23, noon. Finot has been appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs. I should like to point out that Chief of Army Staff manifesto of June 21 states “the army from this date takes possession of the Government.” The note from Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs received this morning states “the army has assumed full responsibility of the Government satisfying the confidence in the military members of the Junta and leaving the President with full liberty to complete it and develop the program which has been planned.” Colonel Toro decree dated June 22 states “that the army has assumed exclusive government of the country, that it is necessary to provide the executive power. The Military Junta of Government is constituted in the following form.” Juridically this indicates an actual change in the Government though President and six members of the Junta did not take new oath this morning and in interview with the press Toro stated all acts, declarations, and public manifestos of former Junta remain in force both in internal and international matters.
[Page 237]In fact, present Junta is continuation of former Junta and direct army intervention was merely to reproach representatives on Junta. I do not consider that question of recognition therefore arises.