852.00/2629: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:47 a.m.]
66. Argentine Ambassador, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, asked British Ambassador to notify me of a meeting of the Corps he is calling for Tuesday, 11 a.m., to consider mediation in the Civil War. Last night I told the British Ambassador that I think the proposal most premature, that we are all accredited to a legitimate legal government which is by no means overthrown, and that such a movement at this juncture may properly be resented by the constituted government as anti-government propaganda, and that the mere publication in the press of such a meeting for the purpose could be made to serve propaganda ends against the constituted authorities. I told him I would consult Washington before even attending. He agreed on all points and is telephoning London for instructions.
Argentine Ambassador is hostile to regime and I suspect his motives. My own impression is that such a meeting now would be offensive to the Government and that to countenance it to the extent of attending might be unfortunate since I am afraid the press would publish the purpose of the call and give the names of those attending. My suggestion is that I be instructed that since at this juncture the matter of intervention is premature I should not associate myself with the meeting. I am sure we should not associate ourselves with any mediation or intervention maneuver since this Civil War is developing into a European quarrel. Please wire instructions before tomorrow morning.