834.01/27: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
Buenos
Aires, March 12, 1936—3
p.m.
[Received 6 p.m.]
[Received 6 p.m.]
61. From Braden. Department’s 30, March 11, 6 p.m.
- 1.
- At meeting this noon opinion had crystalized strongly in favor of joint note as quoted in my 57, March 10, 11 p.m. Cruchaga had instructed Chilean delegate this noon to insist upon identic notes with elimination of clause 3 of joint note and of the word “recognition” but upon personal telephone appeals by Saavedra Lamas and Martinez Thedy25 through their Santiago Embassies and Rodriguez Alves26 through Chilean Ambassador here, Cruchaga withdrew all his objections and agreed to presentation of joint note.
- 2.
- The following arguments were advanced in favor of joint note:
- (a)
- Solidarity of six mediatory nations will be emphasized forcibly; the note will be generally referred to as “the note of the six mediatory nations” and this unity of action should have an important and highly beneficial influence in our negotiations on the territorial question. I earnestly recommend your serious consideration of this point.
- (b)
- Stefanich, now committed to acceptance of joint note, might try to squirm out if proposed procedure were to be altered.
- (c)
- The extraordinary circumstances surrounding the participation of the six mediatory nations in the Peace Conference would seem to warrant this departure from usual practice.
- 3.
- Decision was deferred until tomorrow morning in order for me to
submit the following alternatives for your consideration:
- (a)
- Joint note to be as drafted in my 57, March 10, 11 p.m., except at end of paragraph 3 of proposed note there should be added after the words “January 1936”: “as well as its other international obligations” and the joint note shall be accompanied by Portuguese and English translations thereof, authenticated by the Brazilian and American Ministers respectively, the English translation to prevail insofar as we are concerned.
- (b)
- If the Department still opposes joint note then six mediatory nations will present individual notes simultaneously and these shall be as nearly identic as possible.
- 4.
- Saavedra Lamas desired to recognize new regime tomorrow, but in order to obtain your further views time for recognition has been set tentatively for noon, Saturday.
- 5.
- Saavedra Lamas and all others felt very strongly that in introductory paragraph of either joint or of individual notes word “recognition” should be [employed.]
- 6.
- Referring to your 31, March 12, 11 a.m., Cruchaga objected to clause 3 because it might be interpreted as an interference with internal affairs of Paraguay. However, Stefanich has accepted its inclusion and the broad interpretation may be made that Paraguayan Government at the end of 1 year will restore full political freedom. If you decide in favor of procedure outlined 3 (a) above, I will endeavor to have this clause rephrased; if you favor procedure 3 (b) then we may eliminate or rephrase.
Please telegraph your further instructions. [Braden.]
Weddell