810.74/592a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant)
5407. If we eventually succeed in closing radio circuits to Axis countries operated by the consortium radio stations in Buenos Aires and Santiago, it is of course imperative that the traffic carried by such circuits should not be diverted to cables. It is therefore desired to know as soon as possible whether all cable traffic between Buenos Aires and continental European points (which is believed to be handled by the Western Telegraph Company, a British concern) is diverted via London and does not go directly to Portugal. It is also desired to know whether the British authorities are prepared to stop and not reforward any messages intended for Axis countries including all diplomatic messages except those of the Argentine Government, whether in code or not. Please endeavor to obtain as much information as possible concerning the cable situation between Argentina and Europe and assure British authorities that it will be kept in strictest confidence.