810.20 Defease/6–1840

The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
No. 805

Sir: I have the honor, with reference to despatch no. 784 of June 14, 1940 and the Embassy’s telegram no. 228 of June 15, 4 p.m., to report that the general questions formulated in accordance with the suggestions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to in the latter communication were duly completed and incorporated in a memorandum which I handed to Dr. Cantilo personally last night. He stated that the questions would receive the consideration of the President and that a reply setting forth the views of his Government would no doubt be forthcoming.

For the Department’s files I enclose a copy of Captain Spears’ memorandum, together with a copy of the memorandum left at the Foreign Office last night.43 It will be noted that except for the heading and the numbering of paragraphs the latter is identical with the former.

Respectfully yours,

For the Ambassador:
Monnett B. Davis

First Secretary of Embassy
[Enclosure]
Memorandum by Captain W. O. Spears, U.S.N., for the Ambassador in Argentina (Armour)
1.
In view of the present disturbed conditions of international relations, the United States Government is concerned regarding possible outside aggression against American Republics. Considering the broad provisions of the Declaration of Lima it would seem that the time has now arrived to initiate discussions looking to a better understanding as to our mutual defense.
2.
Therefore, certain questions regarding hemisphere defense are submitted for the consideration of the Argentine Government, with the hope that the answers will later lead to detailed discussions which will be of mutual benefit.
3.
The following questions are based on the assumption that certain non-American powers or combination of non-American powers may use force for the purpose of extending their sphere of influence in certain American Republics. This aggression may lead to an attempt [Page 32] to occupy certain American areas, such as Uruguay which would offer the basis for further aggression against other American Republics and possibly against the Republic of Argentina. In this case:
(a)
Would the Argentine Government offer assistance to the Uruguayan Government in case their sovereignty should be threatened by such activity or intervention on the part of a non-American state?
(b)
In the event that the United States were involved in resisting foreign aggression against Uruguay, would the Argentine Government cooperate with the United States in resisting such aggression?
(c)
In the event of such activity or intervention on the part of a non-American state in any other South American Republic on the Atlantic coast, would the Argentine Government cooperate in sending suitable naval and air forces?
4.
In case a non-American state or a combination of non-American states should be able to establish a foothold in Uruguay or other American Republic on the Atlantic coast, or should such activity threaten an attack on Argentina:
(a)
Would the Argentine Government desire aid from the United States in repelling such an attack?
(b)
What aid would be required from the United States to make such operations effective?
(c)
In case the United States should send aid to Argentina, can assurance be given now that certain airdromes, airfields, ports, and other facilities will be available to United States forces?
5.
In order to make effective plans for any cooperative effort that may be necessary:
(a)
Will the Argentine Government authorize staff conversations in the near future between designated members of the Argentine and United States naval staffs?
W. O. Spears
  1. Latter not printed.