740.0011 E.W./2–2145: Telegram
The Ambassador in Uruguay ( Dawson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:35 a.m.]
142. My press telegram 141.26 Prompt action of Chamber of Deputies in approving declaration of war bill by vote of 62 to 19 bears testimony to effective preparatory work of President. Credit is due also to Serrato who attended entire session lasting from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Session was stormy with much irrelevant political debate and insults hurled back and forth due principally to violent Herrerista attack on government. Although President had conferred with Herrerista leaders in hope of inducing conciliatory attitude for dignity of country, Herrerista directorate decided yesterday morning to oppose measure largely on ground of alleged danger of abuse of war powers by government.
- Not printed.↩