835.00/2864: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 4—12:50 a.m.]
1414. My 1400, June 2, 4 p.m.18 Meeting took place in private apartment this afternoon. Peluffo, Perón, Teisaire and Espil were present. Peluffo opened conversation with dissertation along same general lines as at our last meeting. Sovereignty and Pan American solidarity were, he said, not incompatible but with present state of feeling in the country they had to act carefully. He could see no fundamental obstacle to a solution. They intended to implement the break to the full. He greatly regretted delay in departure of German diplomats caused by delay of Germans in replying. But they were going and nothing would give him greater pleasure than when time came and he would see headlines to this effect in the papers but meanwhile they could give no publicity to coming departure or fact that if Germans placed further obstacles they would be interned. This would have to await the event. If only they had recognition all this would be easy.
I then presented our case along lines familiar to Department. Perón then took the floor. He supported Peluffo in idea that revolutionary psychology here made it necessary for Government to act carefully—this in spite of fact that Government had support of army and people and was in to stay. He compared revolutionary atmosphere here with war atmosphere in United States. My suggestion that they make clear declaration of their position and of action taken and they proposed to take, basing these on German attempts against their sovereignty was, he said, not as simple as it sounded. He admitted the impasse. They could not appear to act under pressure, while on our side as I had explained we could not even if we wished justify recognition without certain acts having previously been taken. At this point Peluffo interposed to suggest we leave matters to “our great ally Providence” to decide. Meanwhile each side would do everything possible to create a better atmosphere. Perón said he would discuss with Farrell question of Axis press (this was discussed at some length) and propaganda against United States and Allied cause. This, he said, must be stopped. On our side they hoped our Government could give publicity to what they had already done and give them some credit for it, mentioning particularly departure of German diplomats, measures taken to prevent smuggling, stopping of all communications and commercial relations with Axis countries, arrest of Axis agents, et cetera. I said I would be glad to suggest this to Washington but asked Peluffo whether he could give me full list of acts taken and [Page 277] others they proposed to take to implement break. He balked at this—said it would look like bargaining—recognition in return for conditions imposed by us. He said, however, he would see if it would be possible to give me a complete list of Axis agents arrested—Perón reminded me he had already had us furnished with list of agents who might be connected with activities in other Republics. Peluffo said it was possible that Farrell in his speech tomorrow night would refer to international situation but indicated final decision on this had not been reached.
General atmosphere was cordial and I have impression I may be invited to further talks in near future—that meeting today was more in nature of a “try out”. I also feel they have something in mind here which they hope will change atmosphere—possibly Cabinet changes—Peluffo’s remarks at beginning that I was in presence of the three Ministers who really constituted Government seemed significant, also reference to “our great ally Providence”.
- Telegram not printed.↩