710 Consultation 4/8–2947: Telegram
The Chairman of the United States Delegation (Marshall) to the Acting Secretary of State
110. Committee II this morning unanimously approved text of article B defining geographic region as quoted our telegram 102, August 28.16
Argentina promptly stated it did not recognize existence of any European colonies and possessions in Argentine territories and waters contained within zone and expressly reaffirmed its sovereignty over Falkland Islands.17
Vandenberg stated “The Argentine delegation is entitled to enter on the record any unilateral statement it desires. But the basic fact will remain that this treaty does not touch or involve or change any sovereignty in the regional zone here defined. These are questions of fact and this treaty does not directly or indirectly affect these questions of fact.”
Further reservations were made by Guatemala and Mexico regarding Belize,18 Chile regarding areas claimed by her in Antarctica, and Honduras regarding Honduras-Nicaragua frontier. Mexican Foreign Minister stated he agreed fully with US view and made reservation regarding Belize only because Guatemala had raised the question.
After each of these reservations, Vandenberg repeated substance of statement quoted above and emphasized that his statement was to be made part of the record of the Committee with respect to all the above declarations by Latin American countries.
Final approval of text expected in plenary session Saturday.
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