835.01/313: Telegram

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

557. We have given careful thought to your no. 873, March 30,93 and no. 887, April 1.94 We see the question in the same terms as you, namely, of developing a working relationship with an Argentine Government prepared and able to cooperate for hemisphere solidarity and security.

We agree that the situation will undergo change, and it is desirable, therefore, that we take whatever appropriate steps are open to us to achieve our objective.

The British Embassy here believes that the best course is for either you or Kelly95 or both of you to indicate to Perón that were the following developments to occur the road would be open for reconsideration of our attitude on recognition:

1.
Thorough and effective collaboration to foil Axis activities in the Argentine, particularly those relating to espionage, smuggling, and telecommunications;
2.
Appointment of new Cabinet Ministers, particularly in Foreign Relations and Interior, that would inspire confidence of collaboration for hemisphere security; and
3.
Fixing of a date for general elections. The British here believe that this action should be taken at once, believing that it might encourage Perón in his struggles with Perlinger.

Please discuss this idea with Kelly and send us your views by return wire, in order that the Department may be able to reach a prompt decision.

We are now reviewing the situation in Bolivia created by the changes in the Junta. We hope to be able to come to a decision as to their significance and as to our attitude within a few days.

Hull
  1. Not printed.
  2. Post, p. 307.
  3. Sir David Kelly, British Ambassador in Argentina.Sir David Kelly, British Ambassador in Argentina.