835.00/11–2645: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 26—8 p.m.]
2971. I should be very grateful if Department would give further consideration to its instruction 1665, November 24, 6 p.m. re political activities of American citizens and companies. It seems to me highly important that publicity be given to Department’s policy:
- 1.
- In order that Argentine Government, political leaders, and public may know about it;
- 2.
- In order that everyone may know everyone else knows what our policy is, thus lessening special pressures and attempts at evasion;
- 3.
- In order that no one may profess ignorance; and
- 4.
- In order that rumors and half-truths may not give rise to erroneous interpretations.
I assume that Department may not want publicity at least in part because of fear that impartiality will be misinterpreted here as sympathy for Perón despite fact that Perón probably stands to lose more than democratic opposition from policy. I believe this is matter of drafting announcement or of on-the-record comments. For example, if Embassy announcement requested reports on any pressure to make contributions, I believe everyone would understand our position.
As best alternative would suggest letter to Chamber of Commerce which might be circulated among American commercial firms but must [Page 436] emphasize to Department that even this procedure is open in some degree to all of objections implied above. Please instruct.