710 Consultation 4/9–847
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chairman of the United States Delegation (Marshall)
| Participants: | Dr. Mateo Marques Castro, Uruguayan Foreign Minister |
| Secretary Marshall | |
| Major Vernon A. Walters |
At Hotel Quitandinha, August 27, 11: 30 a.m.
After the customary greetings, I explained to Dr. Marques Castro that Foreign Minister Raul Fernandes was waiting in my suite for me and that I hoped he would understand. He replied that besides being delighted at the opportunity of being able to speak to me, his purpose was to reaffirm the desire of his Government to cooperate most closely with the United States Government in political, economic and social fields. He stated that Uruguay was well aware of the very great sacrifices made by the United States during the war and subsequently and that his country had no intention of asking for greater sacrifices by the United States other than those which that country is already making in defense of liberty and democracy, which are the ideals which Uruguayans also hold dear. He said Uruguay wished to contribute insofar as she could.
I spoke to the Uruguayan Foreign Minister concerning the desirability and importance of reaching a speedy agreement, not only for the agreement itself but for the effect that such speedy agreement would have upon the rest of the world. I stated that though our purposes might be misrepresented, the fact of a speedy agreement on an important matter could not be disregarded. I mentioned that we have been thwarted so often in our efforts toward peace that such an agreement would be exceedingly well received. I mentioned my surprise at the frequent misrepresentation of my purposes and thoughts, mentioning [Page 72] China and the relative success of such misrepresentation among university students and professors without considering the grossly false character of such propaganda. Dr. Marques Castro stated he felt the First Committee would complete its work tonight and that he felt that such a speedy agreement would be reached.
As I was taking my leave of him, he spoke of the desirability of maintaining the office of the U.S. Naval Attaché at Montevideo. I replied that I was already aware of the situation and would study it immediately upon my return.