835.73/151: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina (Riddle)
27. Your 40, July 1, 7 P.M.
Department not entirely clear concerning information contained in your telegram. Please examine carefully Department’s 24, June 21. You will observe Department now is solely concerned with question whether, in view of waiver made by British Company, privileges asserted under contract of June 3, 1909, would stand in the way of landing and operating American cables in Argentine Republic on terms of equality with any other concern, and in particular [Page 535] whether rights under Articles 13 and 17 of contract might be regarded as extinguished. Department’s inquiry did not have reference to landing of any particular cable. It is desired you communicate at once again with Foreign Office in sense of the following and endeavor obtain written reply:
“My Government is gratified to receive the information furnished to me regarding the attitude of the Argentine Government with respect to the rights which they might be disposed to accord to American concerns with regard to the landing and operation of cables in the Argentine Republic in view of the waiver made by the British Western Company of privileges asserted under its contract of June 3, 1909, with the Argentine Government. As I have previously pointed out, my Government in making an inquiry concerning this matter has in mind solely the question whether the contract would be an obstacle to the granting to an American concern that might desire to lay a cable of privileges equal to those enjoyed by any other concern. My Government, in order to complete its information, so that it may take final action with respect to the application of the Western Union Company, would greatly appreciate being specifically informed on the point, which is not entirely clear to it, whether the Argentine Government considers that, in view of the waiver made by the British Western Company, the Argentine Government is no longer under legal obligations to accord the Company the benefits of Article 13 of the contract.”
Endeavor obtain prompt reply.