835.00/1668: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 23—8:17 a.m.]
1647. For the Under Secretary. My telegram number 1636, July 22, 2 p.m. Brazilian Ambassador saw Storni and handled the matter very adroitly. He said I had told him I reported to my Government that the break in relations would occur not later than August 15 but Alves did not know what I based this on. In fact he thought I may have got myself out on a limb. Storni said I had the best authority for my statement as it came from the President himself and Alves replied that in that case he hoped they were not going to let me down as it would place me in a difficult position not only here but in Washington. Storni explained that the situation was very uncertain. Ramírez really believed that if he broke relations there was a good possibility of revolution in the army. Storni was not himself convinced of this (he said Ramírez is very tired and nervous) but it was a grave responsibility for him to continue to urge the President to take this course if there were any possibility of such a reaction. Under the circumstances Storni did not feel that he could go much further in pushing the President nor did he feel he could resign as he had planned to do if the Government failed to break as this might well precipitate trouble. Furthermore the President was most anxious he should carry on. Alves agreed that Storni should stay where he is as there was no telling who his successor might be. Storni did not say the Government would not break but seemed less sure than formerly and himself suggested that Alves see Ramírez and talk frankly with him which he plans to do.
Storni told Alves that Adbira Stewart, former head of Merchant Marine, had suggested the Government revoke the decree prohibiting Argentine ships from proceeding into the danger zone and then send one of their ships up to New York. If the ship were attacked this would give them the incident they still seem to feel they need. This proposal had been put up to Ramírez but rejected.
As there have been reports that elements opposed to Storni are trying to get him out by having him elevated to the Vice Presidency, Alves asked him about this, Storni said he had advised Ramírez to leave the post of Vice President vacant. (The Minister of Finance told me some days ago this was the decision he thought the Government would probably reach, that they had the Uriburu government as a precedent. But there are reports the navy is insisting an admiral on the active list should be appointed and the names of Guisasola, [Page 443] present head of the Merchant Marine, and Verengo Lima are mentioned in this connection.)
Repeated to Rio de Janeiro.