740.00119 European War/10–2344
The Department of State to the British Embassy
Memorandum
Consideration has been given to the suggestion made in the British Embassy’s Aide-Mémoire of September 23, 1944 that the Government of the United States associate itself with the Government of the United Kingdom in informing the Governments of Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela that the United Nations will be entitled to decide upon the ultimate disposal of all enemy vessels and aircraft that may reach neutral territory and that they will be held responsible not only for interning warships and military aircraft but also for preserving intact all vessels and aircraft including merchant ships and civil aircraft pending their ultimate disposal.
The Government of the United States will be pleased to take action [Page 159] parallel to that contemplated by the Government of the United Kingdom. It is suggested, however, that the Governments of Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Turkey, Uruguay, and Venezuela should not be characterized as Governments of neutral countries, as all of these countries have broken diplomatic relations with Germany and have otherwise indicated their sympathy with the cause of the United Nations. It is suggested instead that all of the recipients of the proposed démarche be characterized as the Governments of those countries that have not declared war on Germany.
With reference to Argentina, this Government would not be in a position to communicate directly with the Argentine Foreign Office, since the government of General Farrell is not recognized by the United States.87 At the same time, the Department of State agrees that it would be desirable that this matter be brought to the attention of the authorities in Buenos Aires, and in this connection suggests that the good offices of the Paraguayan Government be utilized. It is observed that Paraguay is not included among the countries to which it is proposed to make this démarche, and for this reason, as well as the fact that it still maintains its Ambassador in Buenos Aires, it would seem the best channel for an informal approach to the Argentine Foreign Office. It is hoped that the British Government will agree that it would be inadvisable to approach the Farrell government directly, regardless of the form in which the approach might be made, in order to avoid any suggestion of departure from the policy of non-recognition.
The Department of State would appreciate being advised whether the above suggestions meet with the concurrence of the Government of the United Kingdom and receiving further information as to the time when the proposed démarche will be made by His Britannic Majesty’s representatives in the countries listed above, so as to facilitate the taking of parallel action by this Government.