Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1934, The American Republics, Volume IV

724.3415/3680: Telegram

The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

Geneva, May 17, 1934—9 a.m.
[Received May 17—7:34 a.m.]

254. 1. Eden called early today and told me that at the meeting of the Council this morning he intended to oppose postponement of consideration of the Chaco report⁵⁹ on the ground that the matter is too pressing for delay. He will propose complete arms embargo against both belligerents.

2. He said that the Secretariat had reason to hope that the Argentine Government would acquiesce. The embargo, is, of course, contingent on agreement on the part of all exporting countries. He realizes that under present conditions the embargo cannot be made effective as far as the United States is concerned but hopes that you may see your way to cooperate if feasible by proposing a special law to cover this particular case.⁶⁰ He said that he apprised me of this in advance in order that you might have warning before the press made inquiry. He declared that the matter had only been finally decided last night by telephone with London and longer warning had therefore not been possible.

Wilson

59. See telegram No. 115, May 31, 6 p.m., from the Consul at Geneva, p. 67.
60. See circular telegram of May 28, 9 p.m., to all American diplomatic missions in the American Republics, p. 289.