710 Consultation 3A/619: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina ( Armour ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9 p.m.]
318. Department’s 196, February 2, 10 p.m. My first feeling with regard to proposed action by Political Defense Committee is that it would be premature to submit memorandum at this time. In first place Foreign Office particularly Gilbert29 are undoubtedly still smarting under what they consider snub administered by Defense Committee in withholding confidential information from their delegate followed by virtual exclusion of Argentina from Bolivian investigation. I am not aware of present status of Argentina’s representation on Defense Committee but perhaps if arrangements for appointment of successor to Achával could be made and right man were chosen this might offer connecting link for Committee to get across its ideas informally to Argentine Government.
[Page 9]Foreign Minister has volunteered that he is determined to take all measures necessary for full implementation of break in relations. They have I think made a fairly good beginning and I am in favor of giving them chance to show what they will do on their own with such assistance as we can give them based on directives already received from Department. Gilbert has thus far been receptive to such suggestions.
My fear is that if Defense Committee were now to submit memorandum along lines suggested, Government here might react unfavorably even to extent of withholding action we hope they are now contemplating through fear it might be interpreted as taken under pressure of Defense Committee.
If Spaeth could conveniently come over to Buenos Aires, we could perhaps discuss this matter more fully.30
Repeated to Montevideo.