835.01/439a: Circular telegram
The Secretary of State to the Diplomatic Representatives in the American Republics Except Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Bolivia
Personal from the Secretary. Every informed person must agree that the present regime in Argentina by word and deed has demonstrated that it is inclined toward the Axis cause and has taken no effective action to implement the break of relations with the Axis decreed by the Ramírez Government on January 26.20 In view of this basic fact I cannot conceive how any supporter of the Allied cause can consider for a moment extending recognition or material encouragement to that regime so long as this situation endures. The [Page 311] information received from the other non-recognizing American Governments indicates that they are in agreement with this point of view.
Nevertheless, at this moment the Argentine regime is resorting to every means at its disposal to precipitate recognition on the part of some at least of the other American Republics, thereby breaking the non-recognition front at a crucial moment in our fight against forces of aggression throughout the world. In particular it is evident that the Argentine regime, with a mixture of cajolery and threats, is seeking to make use of the ceremonies incident to the Argentine national holiday on May 25 as a means toward this end. The argument has been advanced that it would be a source of great embarrassment to Argentina, as well as to the diplomatic representatives of the other American Republics in Buenos Aires and through them to their Governments if they were not to attend the ceremonies. It seems to me incredible that it should be thought for a moment that such a consideration might prevail over the fundamental issue at stake. If the Argentine regime is embarrassed it has brought it on itself in embarrassing other American Governments and seeking thereby to achieve recognition. It is indeed immeasurably more embarrassing to the soldiers of the United Nations about to enter battle—much more embarrassing than it possibly could be to the Argentine regime in the face of the trivial embarrassment that it has brought on itself by deserting the cause of all freedom-loving peoples.
This is the single supreme question presented. Recognition relates solely to the war and its support by every American Republic. The ordinary rules of recognition have no relation to the present situation.
Mr. Armour has been authorized to attend the Te Deum services on May 25. This can be justified because of their religious character and national significance and as a gesture of respect and friendship toward the Argentine people; but no such justification exists for attendance at other purely political functions especially when representatives of the Argentine regime will preside.
Our information indicates that most of the other American Governments share this view and have instructed their diplomatic representatives in Buenos Aires accordingly. I desire that you again bring our point of view on this whole situation to the attention of the government to which you are accredited with all the emphasis at your command. I am communicating further on this subject with our Ambassadors in Mexico and Lima, in view of the indications we have received that those Governments may be disposed to authorize their diplomatic representatives in Buenos Aires to attend official functions on May 25 other than the religious services. Please keep me informed on all developments in this situation.