835.01/66: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:52 p.m.]
1269. Brazilian Ambassador sent his First Secretary to me at 4:30 this afternoon to inform me as follows:
The Brazilian Ambassador had received definite and categorical instructions to recognize the Argentine Government today which instructions had been sent him by Aranha16 after consulting with Vargas;17 that both the Department and Caffery18 had been informed of this unalterable decision; that the Ambassador would call on Storni this afternoon and present note extending recognition but that Rodriguez Alves19 would request Storni to defer making recognition public until tomorrow.
I said that up to the time of the meeting this morning I had had no word from my Government that it had been advised of this decision on the part of the Brazilian Government and must therefore assume that Brazil’s decision had been communicated later. I further asked the Brazilian Secretary to express to his Ambassador my regret at this break in what I and, I felt sure from the sentiments expressed at the meeting, most of my other colleagues had hoped would be a united front.
In view of Brazilian decision other bordering countries have stampeded and Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and probably Uruguay will recognize tomorrow. Nicaragua, Ecuador, Cuba and Mexico have expressed desire to follow us and await Friday what should be our decision. Others not yet heard from except Peruvian who also willing to stand by this morning’s agreement but feels united front so important at this time we would be well advised to advance time to tomorrow in order that recognition may carry same date as others. While I have not yet received Department’s telegram referred to by Duggan, I feel we should rest on decision for Friday unless developments tomorrow make earlier recognition advisable.