Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The American Republics, Volume XI

711.35/4–1246: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Argentina (Cabot)

secret

Washington, April 16, 1946—7 p.m.

513. Urtel 1057 Apr 12. Following is summary of current US policy towards Argentina. Cable specific points on which you wish further info.

1. There has been no change in general policy described in Depcirtel Apr 1, 11 p.m.²¹ Road will be open to complete inter-American unity only when and if incoming Argentine regime complies with its plain inter-American commitments including those relating to elimination of Axis influence. This means that until new regime has had reasonable opportunity to perform our attitude must be one of watchful waiting.

2. Continuance of existing diplomatic relations and appointment of new Ambassador is consistent with this general policy and with statements of Byrnes and Braden last August and September. There is however no present intention of sending or accrediting special mission to Perón’s inauguration.

3. There is no change in policy re export of arms and munitions to Argentina. Brit and Swedes who appear to be cooperating in this respect will be informed of any change in this respect (urtel 1067 Apr 13²²).

4. Final decision re possible change in present policy of non-collaboration with Argentine military on technical matters awaits an on the ground appraisal of situation by Messersmith. Meanwhile we do not wish to approve visit of Argentine naval mission to US (urtel 1032 Apr 10²²) or similar official projects and we are so advising Navy.

5. Removal of Argentina from Group E²³ simply recognition our inability unilaterally to control Argentine imports in face of growing availability of goods from other sources plus important factor of dependence of Europe and some American republics on Argentina for essential foodstuff. Effect mainly psychological since in practice export of most items has been permitted for some time. We are now discussing with Commerce question of procedural changes (urtel 1076 Apr 15²⁴) and will advise you as soon as possible.

6. Policy on export of aircraft is stated in Deptel 418 Mar 28.²⁴ There will be no export of aircraft suitable for combat.

7. Exportation of industrial equipment, machine tools, toluene and other products not capable of classification as arms and munitions will be permitted regardless of whether consignee is Argentine Govt or private entity.

8. Future of PL in Argentina is related to general problem of List’s future which is currently under consideration. There is no present intention of abolishing List of Special Blocked Nationals or of unblocking funds and gold of Argentine banks now blocked.

9. Urtel 1058 Apr 12²⁵ re US Air Mission is being considered.

10. In general Dept agrees with your comments re additional official statements and advantage of Messersmith being in untrammeled position.

Byrnes

21. Ante, p. 10.
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23. This group included, besides Argentina, such countries as Austria, Bulgaria, Rumania, and Hungary with regard to which the control of exports of all commodities was to be continued under individual license.
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