740.0011 European War 1939/1239a: Circular telegram

The Secretary of State to Chiefs of Missions in the American Republics

Department’s circular December 15, 1 p.m. You are requested to call immediately upon the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government to which you are accredited and inform him that messages have now been received by this Government from all of the other American governments commenting upon the proposed draft statement transmitted in the Department’s circular of December 15, 1 p.m. It has been gratifying to find that all of the American republics were in unanimous agreement that a statement should be issued and that this statement should be made as quickly as possible.

The Argentine Government, using as a basis the original draft, has suggested certain changes which it feels desirable to make the statement more effective. It is hoped that these changes, which meet with the entire approval of this Government, will likewise find favor with the Government to which you are accredited.

The draft statement suggested by Argentina reads as follows:

[Here follows text quoted in telegram No. 291, December 16, 4 p.m., from the Ambassador in Argentina, printed on page 100.]

[Page 106]

In as much as the effectiveness of the statement will be heightened by its issuance within the next 24 to 48 hours while the Graf von Spee incident is still vivid in people’s minds, it is earnestly hoped that the Argentine redraft will be accepted without further modification by the Government to which you are accredited. Please endeavor to expedite a reply.

Hull