740.35112A/5–3146: Telegram

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

secret
us urgent

1495. New vigilance board officers energetically press Embassy to delete from PL controlled enterprises taken in possession, and have exhibited drafts of decrees for sale or Argentinization, promising final action within 60 days and plead for prompt deletion as necessary aid in securing bidders and as manifestation our faith in their sincerity. (Names of companies to follow.) In view of withdrawal of PL June 30, I urge deletion such enterprises before June 15 by Washington [Page 250] press release and local announcement in order that we may gain what we here are confident will be real advantage from compliance their request. Dept will appreciate that no such advantage can be gained but reverse will be true if information leaks out that we are planning to abolish list June 30.

Messersmith