710.Consultation (3)/462: Telegram
The American Representative (Welles) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 24—10:28 a.m.]
47. I told the press this morning for guidance that our objectives here were twofold, namely, to obtain the breaking off diplomatic relations and to prevent the breaking of hemisphere unity. I explained that if Argentina and Chile had gone their separate ways, Germany could have called it a great victory. This also would have put Brazil in a difficult position because two of her largest neighbors would have become centers for Axis activities. Obviously, some compromise was necessary. Under the resolution approved yesterday Argentina and Chile have recommended to themselves that relations be broken and they have for the first time admitted that there is a continental conflict. The phraseology of any resolution is meaningless unless its spirit is fulfilled. Several of the countries have already stated that they would immediately break relations including Uruguay, Peru and Brazil. Furthermore, the very strong resolution on the breaking of financial and commercial relations which it is expected will be adopted this morning with a minor reservation by Argentina will be a further practical implementation of yesterday’s recommendation to break diplomatic relations.