710.G/357
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 20.]
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that this morning in conversation with the Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs he brought up the subject of the impending conference at Montevideo. He went over much of the ground which he had already covered with me in previous talks, re-emphasizing the necessity for the existence of an atmosphere of harmony and good will in which the discussions might be carried on. He told me that at a recent meeting of the Argentine branch of the American Institute of International Law it had been decided that it would be unwise to hold a reunion of the Institute here at this time and that he had so informed Dr. James Brown Scott. He added that the authorities of the Institute seemed not quite awake to the potential importance of the meeting originally proposed to be held here, and concluded by repeating that there was not time now to arrange for comprehensive and profitable sessions.
Dr. Saavedra Lamas said that in his opinion the Montevideo Conference was badly planned (mal preparada) and that in all the circumstances the subjects discussed should be limited to those juridical rather than political in character; that Cuba, the Chaco, Leticia, and also debts (which, he added, Mexico would like to see discussed) should be tabu.
My French colleague told me that in conversation with Saavedra Lamas the latter expressed the opinion that no subject which had been excluded from discussion at the London Economic Conference should be brought up at Montevideo.
Respectfully yours,