Office of the Historian

810.20 Defense/5–2746: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina (Messersmith)

secret
u.s. urgent
Washington, May 27, 1946—2 p.m.

698. Your telephone call to Briggs. The following message was prepared for transmission to you on May 24 and not sent because of word received by War Dept from Argentine Military Attaché34 on that date to effect that Gen von der Becke35 was already en route. [Page 249] Still believing that von der Becke was en route we replied to press inquiries on May 25 stating that we had no info concerning object of visit which was not in response to official invitation.

“On May 21 Gen von der Becke, who is now retired, informed Gen Caldwell36 that he, von der Becke, had been alerted by Perón for visit to Wash. Purpose of visit would be to discuss matters of hemispheric defense and allied subjects and to obtain military equipment. It was indicated first visit would be of short duration followed by a second and longer visit if situation warrants. Von der Becke inquired as to Caldwell’s personal reaction to proposed visit and whether Gens Vandenberg37 and Eisenhower38 would receive him.

Caldwell suggested no definite plans be made until after Messersmith presents credentials. Caldwell’s interpretation is that Perón wishes to capitalize on von der Becke’s popularity with army, his professional reputation and his aloofness from politics in order to overcome opposition within army and press circles to inter-American military collaboration.

Foregoing report which was received from War Dept is related to Cabot’s report by telephone that Fonoff has requested visa for von der Becke.

Dept’s view is that while von der Becke shd not be denied visa he shd be informed that proposed mission to US would be premature at this time. It is noted that no ref is made to compliance by Arg with inter-American agreements referred to by Sec in his statement of Apr 8.39

War Dept has been informed that Dept desires Amb Messersmith’s views before expressing opinion. Telegraphic reply requested.”

We are still of opinion that such a visit would be premature.

Byrnes
  1. Col. Arturo Bertollo.↩
  2. Gen. Carlos von der Becke, former Commander in Chief of the Argentine Army and Chief of Staff.↩
  3. Brig. Gen. C. H. Caldwell, Military and Air Attaché at Buenos Aires.↩
  4. Lt. Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, War Department.↩
  5. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Chief of Staff, War Department.↩
  6. For text of this communication of April 1, released to the press on April 8, see p. 10.↩