810.20 Defease/6–1840
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of
State
No. 805
Buenos Aires, June 18,
1940.
[Received June 25.]
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)
Buenos Aires, June 17,
1940.
- 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
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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?
