710.Consultation(2)/415: Telegram
The American Delegate (Hull) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received July 24—5 a.m.]
10. I am sending tonight the message which follows hereafter to Armour and hope that you will have the opportunity of reading it [Page 240] prior to our telephone conversation tomorrow morning at 8:30 Eastern standard time.
“In a long and very friendly conversation this afternoon with Melo71 at which Espil72 was also present Melo said that he is not in favor of taking any action with respect to the European possessions in this hemisphere beyond the adoption of a declaration stating that the American Republics would oppose any transfer of such possessions to another non-American power. He based this attitude on the state of public opinion in Argentina which he said is not prepared at this juncture to accept the idea of a trusteeship. He pointed out that Argentina is a long distance from the areas in question (the claim to the Falkland Islands was not mentioned) and he implied that other nearer countries were more immediately interested. In later requests for the Argentine position, Espil maintained that the taking over of territories possessed by other countries could be considered an unneutral act and that it was all very well for the United States with its extensive armament program not to hesitate to incur the displeasure of Germany but that the other countries in the new world had no comparable defense. Melo asserted that he wished to cooperate to the greatest extent possible, considering public opinion in Argentina, and that he believed a declaration could be so framed as to meet our views and purposes.
In urging upon the Argentines the trusteeship plan I referred to the perils inherent in the present situation and pointed out that a failure of the American nations to maintain their unanimity might have results little short of tragic and that at the least such a failure would be the most encouraging development possible in the eyes of Germany and Japan. I said that in my opinion there appeared to be no disagreement in principle between United States and Argentina since both oppose the transfer of territories. In our case, however, we feel that the time has come to implement our common resolution by outlining a procedure under which the territories would be held in trust whereas the Argentine Government would recommend a mere declaration which in my opinion would have little or no practical effect and might even be considered an indication of weakness. In substance the United States proposes a joint statement of what the American nations are determined to do in a specific and not improbable contingency while the Argentine Government proposes in effect that we do nothing.
Recalling the important contribution of President Ortiz to the declaration of Lima, I asked Melo if he would convey to the President a message saying that I find it difficult to believe that one of the framers of that document would now hesitate to take the step which events in my opinion make incumbent upon the American Republics. In conclusion, I said that I wished to plead with all sincerity and deep earnestness for Argentina, not to be responsible for the failure of the American Republics to maintain their unanimity at the most critical period since their establishment as independent nations. I repeated [Page 241] that there appeared to be no disagreement in principle but merely one concerning the mechanics of handling the situation, and that it was therefore my great hope that upon further consideration the Argentine Government would see its way clear to join with the other Republics.
I believe it would be very helpful if you were to bring to Cantilo’s attention and in your discretion that of the Vice President the position which I have so vigorously stated to Melo. It seems likely that Melo will be cabling his Government regarding our conversation, in which case your talk with Cantilo and/or the Vice-President might prove most effective if it were to follow the receipt of Cantilo’s [Melo’s?] report.
I would appreciate a cable report of any conversations you may have as well as daily cable reports regarding the attitude of the Argentina press and public opinion with respect to the conference.”