740.0011 European War 1939/1251: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina ( Armour ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:05 a.m.]
297. The Minister for Foreign Affairs informed me last night that the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Brazil had suggested to him an addition to Cantilo’s draft declaration submitted in the Embassy’s telegram No. 291 of December 16, 4 p.m. This additional paragraph referred to the sinking of the Graf Spee and upheld the Uruguayan Government’s position in the incident.
Cantilo further informed me that Aranha had suggested the possibility of having the declaration agreed upon submitted to the three belligerents by the Uruguayan Government as further support by the American Republics of Uruguay. I presume these matters have been submitted to the Department by the Brazilian Government direct.
The Foreign Office has confirmed to me the Argentine Government’s decision to intern the captain, officers and crew of the Graf Spee. They arrived here yesterday and the party numbers 1,040. The Government is admittedly perplexed as to the method of interning so large a number and no decision as to place has as yet been reached.