835.5151/424: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cox) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:42 p.m.]
30. In the absence from Buenos Aires of the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Commercial Attaché and I saw the Under Secretary of [Page 271] Foreign Affairs this morning and conveyed to him verbally the contents of your 34, April 16, 7 p.m., which he is transmitting immediately to Ministry of Finance. Likewise we saw the official in charge of the Ministry of Finance being advised that the Minister and Under Secretary of Finance were absent over Easter holidays. This official stated that he would convey the substance of your telegram No. 34 to the Minister as soon as he could get in touch with him. I urged immediate consideration and expressed the hope that a reply could be given to the Embassy at the earliest possible date. Treasury official expressed doubt whether any action could be taken before next week on ground that the decree could be modified only by a Cabinet agreement. Government offices, including customhouse, will be closed for holidays from tonight until April 22nd. I understand that Association of Foreign Chambers of Commerce is sending a memorandum to the Ministry of Finance today protesting generally against the decree and petitioning for a reasonable delay in its enforcement.