835.73/133: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (White) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10 p.m.]
8. Your February 4, 7 p.m. Representative of Western Telegraph Company, Limited, today handed me a copy of his letter of even date to the Minister of the Interior with reference to waiver by that company of its special rights and privileges in the Argentine Republic; translation of the letter is as follows: “James A. Oldham, representative of the Western Telegraph Company, Limited, complying with instructions received from the directorate in London, has the honor to inform Your Excellency that, in order to facilitate direct telegraph line communications between North and South America by way of ‘Barbados’, their company has resolved the following order.” Here follows Spanish translation of the resolution as quoted by you, followed by signature of representative. English text of the resolution is also enclosed.
I replied immediately, stating Embassy had been informed that it was agreed to that the local representative of Western would request the Argentine Government formally to notify Embassy of its acquiescence in the waiver of the rights in question, and pointed out that his letter apparently failed to make this request. Furthermore, with reference to latter’s introductory remarks quoted above I stated that the instructions received by this Embassy and the representative of All America Cables stated arrangement was made to advance cable facilities between North and South America without making any limitations as to the route by which such communications shall take place. I told him that Embassy brought this matter to his attention in order that he might take such further steps, if any, as he might deem appropriate to remove any possible misunderstanding.
Doctor Beccar Varela43 is of opinion that mention of Barbados in introducing resolution in the letter is of no importance and that [Page 524] American companies will not be limited to that route for future cables, but I nevertheless deemed it more prudent to make reservations in regard thereto pending the Department’s instructions.
When this matter was reported in the press some weeks ago, I spoke informally with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sub-Secretary of State in regard thereto, and both informed me then that should Western request abrogation of special privileges enjoyed by it, they felt sure desired cancelation could be readily accorded by the Argentine Republic. Representative of Western informs representative All America he anticipates Argentine Government may object to waiver of rights being limited to American and British companies, and may wish it to be made available to all nations. Embassy will keep the Department advised fully of all developments.
- Argentine attorney for the All America Cables Co., Inc.↩