810.74/346: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 27—2:14 a.m.]
1258. Department’s 871, June 13, 9 p.m.33 Counselor of Embassy discussed matter in general with Bunge34 of Foreign Office, who agreed it was of utmost importance to close circuits between Argentina and Chile and Axis countries. However, he was unable to suggest effective method of actually closing them. In response to inquiry as to Argentine Government attitude in the event companies were forced to take such action through external pressure, Bunge replied he had no information on the subject but would endeavor to see that matter received attention.
Local managers of All America Cables and Radiar35 doubt Argentine Government would attempt to operate circuits if they were closed by companies. However, managers point out that closing circuits with Germany and Italy would not solve basic problem since messages could easily be relayed through Spain, Switzerland, Sweden or other so-called neutrals. While this relay traffic might be partly controlled through local censorship, Department’s opinion is requested as to the general problem.
Embassy has obtained traffic figures showing number of messages November 1941 and May 1942, as suggested Department’s instruction 2533, June 12,33 from Radiar, All America, Transradio and Ital Cable traffic through Transradio. Western Telegraph (British) refused similar data. Compilation of data received shows total 26,800 messages sent from Buenos Aires November and 26,300 May, with 27,700 received November and 24,400 May. Comparing May with previous November, there was substantial decline in messages to and from the United States, and slight total decline both to and from South American countries. Substantial increase in total messages sent Europe in May, but number received about the same. Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden show largest gains in messages sent from here in May, although this partly ascribed to present inadequate air mail facilities which existed last November. Messages sent to Japan total 510 November, 622 May; received 425 November, 420 May.
Transradio obtains preponderant share of traffic with continental Europe and Japan, partly due to its direct circuits and more complete facilities.
[Page 124]The Transradio situation remains complicated. Embassy’s despatch no. 5544, June 2538 proposes that duly authorized officials, such as high executive of RCA Communications perhaps accompanied by Government communications expert, be sent to Argentina with complete powers from American and British interests in Transradio. Visit of such officials highly desirable if not essential to effective investigation of Transradio personnel and other company matters, as well as evaluating practical possibilities of severing undesirable circuits.
Apart from considerations expressed my 1238, June 24, midnight, to Under Secretary,38 Embassy has hesitated to make urgent representations without being better acquainted with practical methods of procedure. Department’s opinion would be helpful on the following points:
- (a)
- Should attempts also be made to close questionable circuits with Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, et cetera, and if not, what other control measures are suggested?
- (b)
- Will British communications companies cooperate in bringing pressure to close undesirable circuits?
- (c)
- Does Department believe that American and British interests in Transradio are sufficiently strong to exercise complete control including severance of lucrative European connections?