740.00111 A.R./1049½: Telegram
The Minister in Uruguay (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:15 p.m.]
65. Reference my telephone conversation today with Duffan [Duggan?].57 The Uruguayan Government will send tonight the following telegram to the President of Panama (translation):
“The Uruguayan Government has learned with deep emotion of the attack on the sovereignty, and the violation of the neutrality of Belgium, Holland, and Luxemburg. My Government considers that respect for the rights of neutrality consecrated to the maintenance of peace is an international principle which must be firmly respected whatever the circumstances in which the belligerents may find themselves.
I permit myself to invoke paragraphs 4 and 5 of the tenth (ninth in English text published by Pan American Union) resolution approved at Panama City in order that the other American Governments may be consulted concerning the possibilities of a joint declaration on this subject.58
I beg Your Excellency that in transmitting the contents of this telegram to the other American Governments you inform them that within 24 hours they, as well as Your Excellency’s Government, will receive a draft text forwarded by the Uruguayan Government.”
The following is the draft text referred to above, concerning which Guani requests your views. He will accept any suggestions you wish to make. Please telephone me tomorrow.
(Translation) “The American Republics in accord with the principles of international law and in application of the resolutions adopted in their Inter-American conferences, consider unjustifiable the ruthless violation by Germany of the neutrality and sovereignty of Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg.
In paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Tenth Resolution of the Meeting of Foreign Ministers held at Panama in 1939, it was established that the violation of the neutrality or the invasion of weaker nations as a measure in the conduct and success of war, warrants the American Republics in protesting against this infraction of international law and the requirements of justice.
The American Republics therefore find themselves forced to protest against the military attacks directed against Belgium, Holland and Luxemburg, at the same time making an appeal for the reestablish-ment of law and justice in the relations between countries.”
I will advise later of the countries to which Guani will request you to transmit the draft text. As you will note, there is no question of a meeting of representatives.
In order to expedite matters I venture to suggest that you request our Ambassador in Panama to advise the Panamanian Government that you are informed of this initiative and that you support it.