560.AL/1–2848: Telegram
The Ambassador in Uruguay ( Briggs ) to the Secretary of State
27. Embtel 24, January 26. Minister of Industry Farina spoke at length and with apparent frankness regarding Habana Conference problems. At outset he brought up Wilcox speech December 23, declaring it had been widely interpreted by Latinos as threat on part US and hence not well received. In fact Minister attributed many of our subsequent difficulties to that statement and alleged “unfriendly way in which delivered”. I thereupon produced speech and said that while unable comment on circumstances delivery I thought that by pointing out so plainly effects of indiscriminate economic warfare, statement should have and I hoped had cleared air. Minister reiterated speech widely interpreted by Latinos as US threat and hence responsible for galvanizing their opposition. He also was somewhat critical alleged tactical errors our delegation in dealing Latin American delegates declaring in effect we had gone about selling our bill of goods in wrong way. Problem of industrial countries versus “undeveloped countries” debated and Minister admitted that on record our government has certainly shown no lack sympathetic interest problems other American Republics, He also volunteered that Uruguay would be unjustified adopting position “all industrialization is good” but should concentrate on processing products such as wool, leather and linseed available this country. It should be noted that President of Uruguay apparently not in agreement this thesis (please see Embassy despatch 20, December 18).1
Farina expressed opinion that in spite technical nature Charter and economic matters related thereto, conference really political meeting and should have been so understood by our government, that is, we should have more delegates cognizant inter-American political relations and accustomed dealing Latinos. (He spoke in very friendly terms of Nufer.)
Finally and not withstanding foregoing observations Minister said he understood conference now making better progress and expressed confidence agreement would eventually be reached as well as recognition importance not having meeting end in failure. His only concrete suggestion in that connection was possibility of deferring entry into effect of Charter for specified number of years or “until end postwar transition period”.
Luncheon private attended only by Commercial Attaché Wolf, Eduardo Marques Castro (head unofficial organization Uruguay [Page 838] businessmen interested expanding trade with US) and myself. Farina asked that his comments be considered personal and off record. For that reason and because nature Minister’s criticism cable sent Department only.
Farina impressed me favorably in that he seemed genuinely well-disposed and to be making sincere effort explain reasons for conference difficulties with Latin American delegations. While some of complaints cited seemed rather trivial (for example, he said our pressure tactics seeking to hold sessions on New Year’s day had incensed Latinos) nevertheless if Farina’s views as widely shared as he asserts, his comments may assist Department in evaluating present situation, as well as explaining somewhat hostile tone statements emanating in recent weeks from other American Republics.
- Not printed.↩