835.01/10–344: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:54 p.m.]
2526. Individual reactions to President’s statement on Argentina89 naturally vary according to sentiments and attitudes of persons expressing them. On the whole we feel that effect has been beneficial. Coming on top of suspension of our shipping, President’s vigorous condemnation of regime has created awareness of gravity of Argentina’s international position. For first time implications of Churchill’s warning to neutrals are being fully grasped. Democratic elements have unquestionably been heartened. One prominent editor [Page 358] conversing with member of Embassy described it as splendid declaration having fundamental merit of looking toward the long range relationship between our two peoples. He said this opinion was very general here and Rosario where he spent last weekend. Foregoing believed of particular interest in view failure to date of liberal dailies to comment editorially.
Nationalists apparently seeking comfort from theory expounded in their newspapers that President was compelled by reasons of electoral expediency to come out in support of your previous declarations. Tone of editorial comment in those papers also clearly indicates bitterness and exasperation. It is perhaps noteworthy that no member of Argentine Government has thus far attempted to answer or rebut President’s statements. However, Farrell left this morning on trip to Misiones and it may be that he will make some reference in one of the speeches he is scheduled to make there.
- Supra. ↩