835.00/1454: Telegram

The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State

1215. Cabinet as reported in telegram No. 1213 is extremely disappointing to say the least as it includes several persons who have hitherto been known as holding Nationalist or even pro-Axis sentiments. Our information indicates that the following fall into foregoing category: Rawson, Ramírez, Martínez, Saba Sueyro, Benito Sufeyto, Pistarini, Rosa. General Mason considered politically neutral. Vice Admiral Storni retired in 1935 after 38 years service in navy. No information yet available on his political views. Dr. Calderón, 73 years office [old?], lawyer, educator and businessman, has had distinguished public and professional career. He is not believed to have any pronounced political opinions. Rosa is a well known Nationalist, identified with formation of several anti-Democratic organizations, and is owner of “Editorial Argentina” which is on Proclaimed List as publishers of El Pampero and other pro-Axis publications. General Martínez was Chief of Police under Castillo. His uncooperative and apparently hostile attitude in connection with police investigation of Nazi subversive activities following presentation of our memoranda to Argentine Government last November5 has been frequently mentioned in Embassy’s reports on that subject.

The composition of this Government, following upon signed proclamation of General Rawson reported in telegram No. 1202,6 tends to dissipate hopeful impression created by first proclamation widely disseminated at beginning of revolutionary movement on June 4, reported in telegram No. 1184.7

Please refer in this same connection to Embassy’s telegrams Nos. 12148 and 1216.9

Armour
  1. See Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. v, pp. 217 ff., passim.
  2. Dated June 4, not printed.
  3. Not printed.
  4. Infra.
  5. Dated June 6, p. 369.