835.51/1321: Telegram

The Chargé in Argentina (Tuck) to the Secretary of State

391. For the Under Secretary. Embassy’s 342, August 13, 8 p.m. and 352, August 20, 1 p.m.15 This afternoon Dr. Federico [Pinedo], the Minister of Finance, asked me, with the knowledge and consent of [Page 476] the Acting President and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, whether it would not be possible for the Treasury Department to attach one of its experts to Mr. Pierson’s staff so that the proposed monetary and exchange arrangement could be effected as a part of the Pierson mission. Dr. Pinedo pointed out that there is a connection between a monetary and exchange arrangement and the matters which Mr. Pierson is to discuss and that it would be simpler to have the questions looked into at the same time and in the same place. He also pointed out that attaching a Treasury Department expert to Mr. Pierson’s staff, ostensibly in connection with conversations relating to the business of the Export-Import Bank, would arouse no question or speculative comment and that it would therefore be practicable to avoid all newspaper publicity which might suggest a reopening of trade agreement negotiations.

Dr. Pinedo stated that while the British formerly were Argentine’s chief concern, Argentine’s new government is convinced that Argentine’s best interests lie in cooperating closely and fully with the United States in all matters. If, therefore, it should not be feasible for the Treasury Department to send a competent official to Buenos Aires at this time, the Argentine Government will send a mission to the United States, provided that so doing would not affect Mr. Pierson’s visit. He added, however, that since he is determined personally to take an active part in working out agreements with the United States and since it would appear to be quite reasonable to include in Mr. Pierson’s mission the matter of effecting a monetary and exchange arrangement it would be appreciated if the Treasury Department would attach a competent official to Mr. Pierson’s staff for that purpose.

I drew Dr. Pinedo’s attention to certain of the considerations mentioned in the Department’s No. 180 of August 12, 2 p.m. but told him that I would be glad to submit his views to the Department and inform him in the premises as soon as possible.

Tuck
  1. Latter not printed.