835.00/2–1546: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Cabot) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 15—8:06 p.m.]
494. There follows summary Foreign Minister Cooke’s radio address twice postponed from February 9 delivered last night:
As will be noted, entire address dealt with Blue Book although it was originally expected Foreign Minister would discuss general international situation with stress on latest Uruguayan note. Text will be forwarded airmail.
Cooke stated Argentine Government has not yet seen official text Blue Book; full reply cannot be based on newspaper reports. At proper time, reply will be addressed to American nations. Meanwhile Foreign Office regrets United States Government did not follow traditional custom between governments which maintain good relations of prior consultation which would have given Argentine Government opportunity to refute or clarify charges. Publication Blue Book not in accord traditional norms international law or cordial relations between nations supporting common cause. Published 12 days before elections and on day when one of presidential candidates was being proclaimed, question bound to arise in thoughts of many if attempt was not made to influence election.
[Page 215]Minister stated he personally did not believe any such thing, which would be unworthy of Government and people of that great democracy, but US Government’s failure to observe normal procedure bound to give rise to suspicions which will in no way favor United States or continental harmony.
Cooke then stated information supplied by press, although incomplete, is sufficient for him to declare in President’s name that all imputations direct or indirect based on evidence German origin formulated in Blue Book relative to latter’s intervention in acts or conferences with persons of any Axis powers are absolutely false.
Cooke then turned to discussion personal position and references in Blue Book which might tend to throw suspicion on him and his conduct. His services during 30 years political life have been in support democratic cause and principles; his work with revolutionary government has been directed toward return to constitutional regularity; during 6 months he has held office he has received complete support of President and Government officials. Consequently, he stated, he regrets that with reference to period of his office, Blue Book contains incorrect interpretations of situation based either on statements of irresponsible persons or on mistaken understanding of facts. During period his office, only two obstacles encountered in connection Government’s fulfillment of undertakings; both these obstacles arose through judicial action which Government has felt it must respect.
Cooke then said moment is not one for detailed rectifications but in near future numerous communiqués will be issued to prove Argentina’s past and present compliance with international obligations. Cooke expressed conviction that when present political passions have subsided, and regardless of result of elections, there will not be one Argentine who will not return to sacred principle that nation’s problems are Argentina’s affair.
While there are undoubtedly some Argentines, Cooke said, who will rejoice at charges made in Blue Book and attempt to make political capital out of them, time will come when they will understand interests of country are above all circumstantial and political questions; national sovereignty and dignity must be guarded above everything else. Foreign Minister concluded saying Argentina’s historical course, her future and destiny are bound to those of sister peoples and can never be diverted by any force foreign to sentiments of her sons and history; there is no human force or personal effort sufficiently powerful to break up spiritual unity of American continent.