810.20 Defense/6–1940: Telegram

The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State

238. Embassy’s telegram 228, June 15, 4 p.m. In discussing with the Minister for Foreign Affairs the memorandum which I recently submitted embodying questions on which we desired information regarding continental defense, I told the Minister that I felt sure that our Government appreciated fully the importance of some solution of the economic difficulties as part of the whole defense program. I added that I felt that if in considering the naval angle he and the [Page 33] President understood that we were giving, as I knew we were, equally earnest consideration to the economic side of the picture it would help then in proceeding more confidently to a study of the naval angle of defense.

I told Dr. Cantilo that if the President desired to see me I should welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter with him.

Yesterday’s radio bulletin contained the White House statement regarding inter-American economic cooperation along the lines of disposal of export surpluses, which information has been given wide and favorable publicity in the press.44

I should welcome receiving from the Department any further information which I might use in my talk with the President if arranged along the lines of the first paragraph of this telegram.

Armour
  1. See section entitled “Program proposed by the United States for inter-American economic cooperation,” pp. 353 ff.