835.00/9–445
The Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary of State 21
Dear Mr. Secretary: The Argentine problem still is with us. There are enclosed copies of Mr. Braden’s top secret telegrams nos. 2045 of September 1, 2066 of September 4, and 2097 of September 7. At my request, Mr. Clayton discussed these telegrams with other officers in the Department. A memorandum regarding this discussion is enclosed.22
Ambassador Braden, in his telegram 2045, observes that the Argentine situation apparently had not been raised at the Potsdam meeting and he suggests that the British be approached on the subject during the present meeting of Foreign Ministers in London. In telegram no. 2066, Ambassador Braden reviews the Argentine situation at some length and urgently recommends that the Foreign Ministers of the Big Five Powers make a public statement during the London meeting condemning the fascist de facto governments of Argentina and Spain. Telegram 2097 reports on a long conversation between Ambassador Braden and the new Argentine Foreign Minister. While the Foreign Minister promised effective action on all the points raised by Mr. Braden, the latter observes that it remains to be seen how much the Foreign Minister may be able to accomplish.
Subject to your approval, and as the result of the meeting in Mr. Clayton’s office, it is suggested:
- 1.
- That there be no Big Five declaration about Argentina and Spain, because it is believed that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages of having non-American Powers intervene in the Argentine situation at the present time;
- 2.
- That you might discuss the Argentine situation with the British Foreign Minister and request (a) continued British support in denying military equipment or training facilities to the present Argentine Government, (b) general British support of the effort of the United States to bring about the elimination of Axis spearhead firms and influence in Argentina and to facilitate a satisfactory solution of the political problem, and (c) to seek means, in cooperation with the united States, to eliminate the obvious danger of a German effort to utilize Latin America as a field in which to develop strength and influence for future aggression;
- 3.
- That as soon as you and Mr. Braden can confer in Washington, it would be worthwhile to again explore the possibilities of inter-American action in the Argentine situation.
The substance of these three suggestions has been telegraphed to Mr. Braden and a copy of the memorandum has been sent to him by air mail pouch.
Sincerely yours,