810.20 Defense/6–1846: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina (Messersmith)
us urgent
840. There follows summary of conversation yesterday between ActSecy Acheson, Asst Secy Braden, von der Becke, and Ferrer Vieyra.53 Ref Braden telephone conversation June 19, Deptel 833 June 18.54
Von der Becke first read from memo exposition of views which briefly were that as soldier he is deeply impressed with urgent necessity formulation without delay of hemispheric defense measures, such measures of course to include provision for modernizing Arg army on basis US matériel. To this end he feels it important that Arg-US [Page 260] problems be eliminated and agreement for joint hemispheric defense reached with utmost rapidity.
Gen then handed Secy memo containing text of Arg FonOff release denying French press story re alleged statement by von der Becke that hemisphere defense depends upon three principal bases—Canada, US, and Arg (Embtel 1647 June 1856) he added personal denial. Secy indicated he had not even heard of matter and gave it no importance.
Von der Becke then handed Mr. Acheson three point memo in Eng reading textually as follows:
- a)
- The submitting to Congress of the Arg adherence to the Act of Chapultepec establishes a constitutional requirement for its ratification; therefore, any other consideration shd be rejected as unfounded.
- b)
- The Arg Govt has taken no steps towards making any purchases nor has it received any offer of arms from Russia.
- c)
- The Arg Govt, in recent statements, has estab clearly its intentions to live in harmony and peace with all the countries of the world.
Requesting that Secy do him “great favor” which would immediately solve all outstanding differences von der Becke handed him memo reproducing note given Eisenhower at end of interview with him and quoted in Deptel 770 June 6,56 observing that issuance as public statement by Mr. Acheson would solve all problems.
Von der Becke repeatedly stated “all cases” now in hands of Justice; he endeavored to lead discussion into details of individual cases; and he asserted again and again Arg’s devotion to democracy, constitution, justice, and rights of habeas corpus.
For their part Secy and Mr. Braden refused to acknowledge “all cases” in courts and insisted that in any event Amb Messersmith in full possession of facts and fully qualified to discuss matter with Arg FonOff. Mr. Acheson stated that, while he, of course, as lawyer had respect for constitution and courts and would not even pretend to discuss Arg procedures in relation therewith, he was compelled in all friendliness to point out in connection von der Becke’s suggested statement that there actually were pending matters between the two govts. He indicated that best manner to proceed with defense of hemisphere was energetically to endeavor to reach solution in these pending matters. Moreover, Mr. Acheson assured von der Becke that he would find US entirely cooperative and reasonable and that we would not expect the last case to be resolved by courts providing there was genuine and effective progress. He pointed out, referring to von der Becke’s pleas for speed that these matters had been pending since 1942. Von der Becke was told he could perform constructive patriotic service [Page 261] by urging on his Govt the great importance of compliance with Mexico resolutions.
There was some discussion why Arg felt Congressional ratification Mexico City agreements necessary when other signatories had not; likewise why idea had been put forward only within last few weeks with no prior indication such necessity.
In reply to von der Becke’s repeated implications that action desired by US insignificant in comparison with hemisphere defense agreement, Secy explained such action important in itself and as guarantee of compliance with any defense pact. Secy made it clear throughout (1) action expected not only important in itself but as guarantee effectiveness of hemispheric pacts; (2) discussion shd be centered in one place; (3) Amb Messersmith and Arg FonMin could best conduct discussions.
It seemed evident from von der Becke’s insistence on need for court procedure in all cases, which he admitted might take “2 or 3 years”, and his agreement that hemisphere defense could not be so delayed, that Arg Govt is endeavoring to have US abandon insistence on effective compliance, leaving it entirely to Arg courts what action shall be taken, while at same time proceeding with negotiation of Rio treaty. It seemed evident also that von der Becke (and therefore perhaps Arg Govt) is desperately anxious to reach agreement with US on defense and especially if it can do so without real compliance.