710.Consultation (3)A/293: Telegram

The Ambassador in Uruguay (Dawson) to the Secretary of State

430. For Welles from Spaeth. The report of the Committee representatives who undertook the consultation with Argentine officials will demonstrate that no adequate defense against political aggression is possible so long as diplomatic relations are maintained with the Axis. This will confirm that Resolution I of Rio54 is the indispensable basis of all the Committee’s work and will refute the Argentine thesis that her neutrality is compatible with continental solidarity and that she can remain neutral and yet take adequate measures against political aggression. The report could include a statement by the Committee, with supporting data, that the Argentine failure to act upon the Rio recommendations seriously weakens the defense structure of other Republics. I propose that the Committee release this report for publication because such action by an inter-American body, following upon a detailed study in consultation with Argentine officials, would effectively answer the Argentine position, which has become increasingly pronounced, that neutrality is compatible with adequate political defense.

As an alternative to publication or as an additional subsequent move following publication it is my opinion that a report based upon the points mentioned above would constitute a sound basis for a recommendation by the Committee to the Governing Board of the Pan-American Union that there be a change in the membership of the [Page 23] Committee. The recommendation would emphasize that the organization created by Resolution XVII for the express purpose of proposing ways and means by which the principles of political defense agreed upon in Rio can be effectively applied is not able adequately to fulfill its task so long as its membership includes a representative who cannot subscribe to those principles. Under this procedure the initial step in removing the Argentine delegate would be taken by the Committee, thus making it unnecessary for a member or members of the Union to take the initiative.

The recent Argentine policy of superficial, token cooperation with the Committee, coupled with the Argentine Ambassador’s participation in the effort to have Dr. Guani removed from the Committee, referred to in my letter to you under date of April 6,55 make it sufficiently clear that Argentina will not voluntarily withdraw from the Committee and that she is engaged in an active campaign to weaken its leadership and destroy its effectiveness. The report which the Committee is now in a position to submit to the Governing Board of the Union on the basis of the visit to Argentina and the completion of the first year of its work offers what may well be a final appropriate opportunity for presenting the entire problem to the other Republics.

If you are of the opinion that either or both of the above proposals warrant further exploration, I recommend that I be authorized to discuss the matter with Dr. Guani. [Spaeth.]

Dawson
  1. This was the resolution to break diplomatic relations with the Axis nations; see Department of State Bulletin, February 7, 1942, p. 118.
  2. Not printed.