710.Consultation(2)/246: Telegram
The Minister in Uruguay (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:25 p.m.]
154. Reaction here to the Habana conference is about as follows: The Liberal opposition (who are not represented in the Congress and have but slight influence) show interest and enthusiasm. They express the hope that measures will be adopted to make continental defense a reality, to crush Nazi and Fascist activities and to support economic independence. They are, however, cautious on the cartel idea.47
The Government itself is sitting on the fence, waiting to see what will be proposed at Habana and at the same time determined to avoid offending Germany (there are members of the cabinet who are convinced that Germany will conquer England shortly). Argentine [Page 215] influence will be an important factor in the decisions of the Uruguayan Government regarding the conference.
The Herrerista Party which has half the seats in the Senate and about one-third of those in the Chamber of Deputies is openly hostile to the conference. The party newspaper El Debate has been carrying on an incessant campaign against the United States and the conference. The idea of continental defense is interpreted as a scheme of the United States to obtain military bases in South America and to unload old arms on the South American countries at exorbitant prices. The nonrecognition of transfer of territory in the western hemisphere from one non-American country to another is represented as a cloak for the imperialistic designs of the United States. The cartel plan is derided as an arrangement for the United States to exercise economic domination over Latin America, et cetera. While I know that certain members of the party are not in agreement with this campaign, nevertheless it is evident that the party leaders are working hand in glove with German agents in this country.