810.74/556: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina (Armour)
1622. Your 2081, October 24, noon, and 2088, October 26, 6 p.m. It appears that Gache’s suggestion goes beyond what is necessary in order to prevent the Axis from using Argentine communications to the detriment of the American republics, in that it would close down international radio telegraph circuits within the hemisphere. The Department feels that the objective would be achieved by prohibiting [Page 170] the transmission or acceptance of messages merely on those radio telegraph and radio telephone circuits that extend directly out of the hemisphere. It is, furthermore, persuaded that this would be acceptable both to Transradio and Radiar. You will recall that at the meeting of the Consortium Trust in New York last August the trustees recommended that each national company should promptly comply with the wishes of its government relating to the closing of any circuit. The attitude of IT&T has been consistently cooperative.
You may wish to suggest to Gache the possibility of putting his plan into effect in the modified form indicated above. This would contribute effectively to isolating the Axis agents in Argentina and Chile from their bases.
Having regard for the likelihood that a satisfactory plan along the lines of Gache’s proposal may be put into effect in the near future, you should use your discretion as to whether or when to deliver Harbord’s message keeping the Department currently informed.