Foreign Relations of the United States, 1947, General; The United Nations, Volume I

IO Files: US/A/489

Memorandum by Ambassador William Dawson of the United States Delegation Staff of Advisers

secret

[New York,] September 26, 1947.

Argentine Candidacy for Security Council

Ambassador Austin saw Arce at Lake Success at about 11:00 a.m. today and, after informing him of our decision to support Argentina for the Security Council as the preferred candidate of the Latin American group, discussed with him the desirability of Argentina’s adhering to the International Emergency Food Council and the Food and Agriculture Organization (along the lines suggested in the Department’s recent telegram). Ambassador Austin had to resume at once his post as Chairman of the Headquarters Committee but got word to me through Mr. Ross that Arce had suggested that our Ambassador in Buenos Aires see President Peron personally with regard to Argentina’s adherence and in so doing mention the effect of such action as a contribution to the struggle against Communism. I conveyed this message to Mr. McClintock¹ by telephone.

Shortly after his interview with Ambassador Austin, Arce approached me and told me of their conversation, expressing his gratification. He said that he would telegraph his Government today concerning the desirability of prompt adherence to the two organizations. I took advantage of the opportunity to tell Arce (and Muñoz² who was with him) that I was sure they understood that we were not making a deal or driving a bargain, that we were of course not tying any strings to our support of Argentina as the preferred Latin American group candidate, and that in referring to the matter of adherence to the International Emergency Food Council and the Food and Agriculture Organization we were merely making a friendly suggestion in what we considered Argentina’s own interest. Arce and Muñoz said that Ambassador Austin had made this plain and that they would make it plain to their Government.³

Arce said that he would be very happy to discuss adherence and Argentine cooperation with Mr. Thorp when the latter returns from Washington and that they might lunch together for the purpose.

William Dawson

1. Robert M. McClintock, Special Assistant to the Director of the Office of Special Political Affairs (Rusk).
2. Rodolfo Muñoz, Counsellor of the Permanent Delegation of Argentina to the United Nations.
3. The substance of this memorandum was transmitted by the Department to the Embassy in Buenos Aires in telegram 908, to Buenos Aires, September 26, 6 p.m. The Ambassador was requested to see President Peron personally and to stress to him that Argentina’s participation in the International Emergency Food Council (IEFC) would have “considerable effect in combating spread of communism in Europe and elsewhere in the world.” (501.BC/9–2647)