835.00/9–2745: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:30 p.m.]
2334. At interview requested by Foreign Minister this evening, he said that he had wished to explain to all diplomatic representatives here reasons for political developments of last 24 hours but that he could do it only to me as a representative of country where public reaction was most important. He made a lengthy explanation of the events which could be summarized in his statement that first duty of a government is to defend itself. He said that frequently revolutionary movements have ramifications which are not clear at first point the conspiracy is discovered, and that consequently Government had been impelled to interrogate everyone who might have any part in conspiracy. He said that since 1 o’clock today Minister of Interior32 had been personally interrogating people detained and releasing those against whom there was no evidence or who gave their word of honor that they were not involved. He assured me that it was Government’s intention that state of siege should be only a temporary measure, that elections would be held as promised, and that he would continue the task of cooperating with U.S. in extirpating Nazi activities in this country in which he reiterated that he was fully backed by the Government. He warned me that in event he and other civilians were forced out of Cabinet, ruthless military dictatorship would take over and civil war would sooner or later ensue with unpredictable results. He asked a little cooperation from me. Finally, he said that it had been decided that the convocation for elections would be issued very shortly—he would not say in 5 or 10 days but very shortly—with only enough delay not to make it appear that measure was taken under pressure of events.
I carefully let him talk himself out before commenting. Then I said that I would be happy to transmit his comments to my Government. [Page 415] I added that in our previous interview he had asked me to speak frankly and that I would so do. I said that these events would necessarily cause the worst sort of impression on public opinion in U.S. and I believed throughout hemisphere. I pointed to fact that many internationally known Argentines were tonight in common jail, among them a Nobel prize winner and that the editors of newspapers of international fame such as La Prensa and La Nación, former foreign ministers, ambassadors, political leaders, educators, labor leaders, and students had been arrested; I agreed that it was necessary for a government to defend itself but pointed out that for the most part leaders of the civic opposition movement were involved. I stated that I was glad to hear that people were now being released but that much damage had already been done, that it inevitably appeared an attempt at intimidation, and that our respective tasks had been made far more difficult. I commented that I made these remarks not from any desire to interfere in Argentine political matters but simply because I felt a realization of the effect these measures would inevitably have abroad was necessary in conducting our relations.
Interview was in serious but friendly tone throughout. Foreign Minister is evidently still clinging to hopes and prerogatives since he could not have believed many things he said.
- J. Hortensio Quijano.↩