710.G/302: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:12 a.m.]
98. Referring to Department’s telegraphic instruction of October 25, 4 [3] p.m. I talked with Foreign Minister at dinner tonight who [Page 34] made a passing reference to Conference which gave me opportunity to ask him his views thereon and whether he was convinced of advisability of Conference. He replied in French, “Very convinced”. He then spoke at length along lines set forth in my number 97, October 24, 1 p.m., relative to necessity for preliminary conversations to avoid friction and said meeting of American Institute of International Law here could do much along these lines. Wishing to be sure of my ground I again asked him whether he thought Conference should go on. He replied affirmatively but added that it was generally thought that a postponement might be advisable but no one wished to take the first step and if only the United States Secretary of State would take the lead—ending abruptly with a significant gesture. He also referred to complication in situation due to fact that presidential elections will take place in Uruguay in December.