810.20 Defense/6–2940: Telegram

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

262. Embassy’s despatch No. 805, June 18. A 5–page memorandum marked confidential has been received from the Foreign Office in reply to the Embassy’s memorandum of June 17, submitting certain questions in connection with continental defense. The principal points are the following: Argentina is pursuing a strict neutrality. It does not see any danger in the near future to the sovereignty or interests of any of the American Republics but would welcome data from the United States or any other country of the continent which would indicate the existence of a potential menace to the independence or the integrity of the continent. The Argentine Government understands that “all the American countries are qualified to put down by themselves the internal activities of foreign group which may be in violation of their sovereignty.” It could not properly make commitments in its foreign policy without consulting Congress nor could it properly submit to Congress situations that have not arisen and may not arise. However, if any American Republic close to Argentina should need assistance, the Argentine Congress would undoubtedly authorize it, and conversely, if Argentina should need assistance, it would be from other American countries. Mutual aid should not be confined to military matters but should embrace also cultural and commercial fields including the elimination of trade barriers. If a truly dangerous situation [Page 34] should arise, the Argentine Government would examine the matter with the United States and the other American Governments in accord with the policy of mutual consultation provided for at the Lima Conference.

The text45 will be forwarded in the air mail pouch leaving July 2, unless Department wishes it telegraphed.

Armour
  1. Not printed.