835.00/1455: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:15 a.m.]
1216. At the third meeting of American colleagues this evening it was the unanimous opinion that recognition of the new Government, if and when accorded, should be as nearly simultaneous as possible. The Brazilian, Chilean and Paraguayan Ambassadors stated they had already received authorization to accord recognition once the customary notice had been received that the new Government had been constituted and was prepared to carry out international obligations etc.
The colleagues felt that with the resignation of Castillo and cessation of all resistance there would no longer appear to be any valid reason for withholding recognition particularly in view of categorical statements of Pan American solidarity and intention to carry out Río agreements made by Rawson and Ramírez to First Secretary of Paraguayan Embassy for communication to American Diplomatic Corps. (See Embassy’s telegram 1214, June 6, 1 a.m.)
It was decided so to recommend to our respective Governments. This decision, however, was reached before full composition of new Government was known and I have not been able to discuss situation since except with Cuban Minister. He and I feel that, while we could not perhaps insist on specific assurances in writing from new Government that they intend to carry out Río commitments, we might properly request that to usual statement regarding intention to carry out international agreements should be added “including all continental agreements” or words to that effect.
The Cabinet is undoubtedly a bad one. (See Embassy’s telegram 1215 of June 6, 1 a.m.) How far our feelings regarding the nature and composition of the Government should influence us on deciding upon recognition is hard to say. I still feel that one, if not the prime motive, in the movement was to put the Armed Forces in a position to obtain war material and they know that to accomplish this a condition precedent is the severance of relations with the Axis. In other words they are probably in earnest when they state they intend to carry out the Río commitments and, of course, for the future of [Page 370] American relations this is very important. On the other hand it will mean our having to deal notably in foreign affairs and finance with men whose past records do not inspire confidence to say the least.
There is to be another meeting of the colleagues tomorrow afternoon. It would be helpful if I could have Department’s views. If Department feels that uniform action by all Republics is important and we are not prepared to grant prompt recognition Department may wish so to advise other Governments particularly Brazil, Chile and Paraguay.