835.504/135: Telegram

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

2607. A decree dated October 21, printed in the Military Bulletin of October 26 but not as yet published in the Official Bulletin, provides for the study of measures designed to replace within the shortest possible time all foreign employees of “national, provincial or private” telecommunications systems in Argentina with native Argentines or naturalized citizens of not less than 10 years standing. According to the decree directives, technical and specialized positions must without exception be filled by native Argentines. Although there is no indication in the decree itself that international telecommunications companies are included within its purview it seems probable on the basis of supplementary evidence that an assumption to this effect would be a safe one.

Recognition in the decree of the need for technical training for prospective replacements may indicate that no immediate action on a grand scale is contemplated, but officials of foreign controlled telecommunications companies are expressing considerable concern. Key managerial employees of all such companies are either American or British; in addition Union Telefonica, which of course is a “national” company, has approximately 1,500 foreigners employed in minor technical capacities.

A copy of the decree follows by airmail.56

Armour
  1. Text printed from corrected copy received November 5, 3:50 p.m.
  2. Despatch No. 12690, November 6, not printed.