Office of the Historian

835.01/412: Telegram

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

Buenos Aires, May 22, 1944—5 p.m.
[Received 8:12 p.m.]

1287. Mexican Ambassador has received word from his Government they are calling in Argentine Chargé d’Affaires15 (or have already done so) to inform him they would be glad to have their Ambassador attend all functions on May 25 provided Argentine Government gives assurances they will not attach political significance to this in sense of recognition which it is not the intent of the Mexican Government to give it. Ozeda [Ojeda] announced this at luncheon of several American colleagues called to discuss our position in view of invitations to attend all functions. It was decided by all present except Mexican who is awaiting further orders to send cards accepting Te Deum but to take no action on other invitations until I have seen Peluffo16 which I told them in strict confidence I hoped to do tonight or tomorrow. I warned them my talk with Peluffo would in no way change my position in not attending dinner and Colón16a but they seemed to feel I might be able to persuade Peluffo to withdraw invitations to functions other than Te Deum and thus not force them to go on record as declining. I explained that object of my call was not to discuss May 25th ceremonies (although it will probably come up) but more fundamental questions and that my visit which came at suggestion of Peluffo was not to be interpreted in any way as a move towards recognition.

Peruvian Ambassador told me confidentially his Government is consulting Washington and Rio to ascertain whether a way can be found to attend all functions without implying recognition on ground May 2517 is not alone an Argentine anniversary but one of all America.

I found colleagues very nervous and fear that if Mexico breaks the united front there may be a stampede.

Repeated to Rio, Montevideo, Lima, Mexico City.

Armour
  1. Carlos Alberto Pardo.↩
  2. Gen. Orlando Lorenzo Peluffo, Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩
  3. i.e., the Colón Theater in Buenos Aires.↩
  4. On May 25, 1810, a revolutionary junta was organized in Buenos Aires to supplant the viceroy, and this day is recognized as independence day for the Argentine Republic.↩