724.34119/215: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 5—6:14 a.m.]
231. From Gibson. My 241, September 23, 5 p.m. from Rio. On my arrival here I found the situation very confused and an obvious fear on the part of Saavedra Lamas and some of the others that efforts would be made to run away with the Conference and rob them of credit. I, therefore, felt warranted in sending a message to Macedo Soares through the Embassy in Rio to warn him that the contemplated visit of Elío would under present circumstances inevitably arouse suspicion and resentment here and it might encourage Elío to feel he could reject proposals of the Conference in the hope of getting better terms in Rio (see my 230, October 4, 11 p.m.).
At my suggestion he authorized Rodrigues Alves to discuss the suggestion with me. We found we had independently reached identical views. Day before yesterday I again sent a message to Macedo Soares through the Embassy to advise that he exercise extreme prudence. I suggested that he hold matters in abeyance pending developments; that if Elío becomes recalcitrant, as he threatens to become, Saavedra Lamas might well fall in with a suggestion that he be sent to Rio to see if Macedo Soares could make him see reason. This would avoid the danger I foresaw of Elío’s feeling he could play off Rio against Buenos Aires.
I have received a telegram from Frost93 saying Macedo Soares is leaving the decision as to Elío’s visit in abeyance and will be guided by Rodrigues Alves and me. [Gibson.]
- Wesley Frost, Chargé in Brazil.↩