835.00/1689a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina (Armour)
1113. Personal for the Ambassador. The President and I have become increasingly concerned by the trend of developments in the Argentine situation. Your estimate of the type of regime that seems to be evolving internally holds forth diminishing hopes for a constructive orientation in the foreign policy. We therefore believe it opportune to re-examine the relationships between the two countries as well as those between Argentina and the other American republics and the rest of the world. In order that this re-examination of policy may be as thorough as possible it seems to us that your presence here would be invaluable if indeed not indispensable. We are confronted with a difficult problem which can best be analyzed only through very full discussions. We would appreciate therefore your proceeding to Washington in the relatively near future. You would, of course, use your discretion in the light of local circumstances as to the exact date of your departure from Buenos Aires, but we feel that it should be within the next fortnight.
In connection with your departure at this time I recall that we had the pleasure of seeing you in Washington at about this period last year and the year before so that your trip could be presented as your annual return to the United States for consultation.
It also occurs to me that if the Government really has in mind a break of relations prior to August 15, it might welcome your absence [Page 444] at the time this step is taken since the argument would be removed that pressure was being exerted through our Ambassador.
May I hear from you with regard to your plans.