Office of the Historian

611.33/12–751: Telegram

The Chargé in Uruguay (Trueblood) to the Secretary of State

secret
Montevideo, December 7, 1951—6 p.m.

240. For Asst Secy Miller (distribution as directed by him). As we have reported Dominguez Campora is extremely bitter over way US has in his opinion let him down on UN.1 Last night at dinner in Emb he was very critical of our procedure in this case and also introduced subject of film festival,2 stating he understood we will not attend this year. He took me aside to tell me that he had only taken Fon Ministry to advance cooperation with US. Since he now felt he had failed in this purpose he saw no reason to continue to sacrifice his personal interests and stated he would inform Pres today he wished to be relieved of his post.

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Frankly it is hard for us here to understand why it was not possible to explain in advance either to Mora or through Emb here US decision support Rau3 which might have mollified Dominguez to some extent. We are also in dark on US plans participation film festival but realize of course it is difficult to expect Hollywood to participate again in 52. Dominguez also advised me last night wool exports situation here was extremely critical view lack satisfactory offers from US and elsewhere which might oblige Urug accept good offers which had come in from Soviet and satellites not only for wool but also meat, etc. Said this matter now before cabinet and implied he would not oppose acceptance. Our Agri Att reporting on this Embdesp 514 Dec 7.4

These developments are prejudicing our traditionally friendly relations with Urug and I believe we should try to clear up situation before it goes any farther. While Dominguez may be dramatizing situation to some extent (and over nursing personal pique) I still feel we should consider any possible remedial action such as personal message from you to Dominguez or frank talk with Mora or both.

Trueblood
  1. Reference is to the decision of the United States not to support the candidacy of Enrique C. Armand Ugon of Uruguay for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the elections held at the United Nations on December 6, 1951.↩
  2. Reference is to the annual Uruguayan International Film Festival.↩

  3. Sir Senegal N. Rau, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations.

    Telegram 354, to Paris, December 5, 1951, drafted by Mr. Paul W. Jones, Jr. of the Office of United Nations Political and Security Affairs, and repeated as telegram 200 to Montevideo, reads as follows: “Amb Mora called to express strong disappointment re our ICJ position and fact that US had not held prior consultations with LAs before deciding vote for Rau. Dept frankly expressed regret prior consultations did not take place. Re Rau candidacy, Dept stated opinion it was desirable give recognition to belief in Asia and elsewhere that Asia underrepresented on Gt. Mora informed that US wld vote for Rau first ballot and afterwards reexamine position.

    “Mora feared reduction LA seats ICJ wld create chain reaction to reduce LA representation other UN bodies. Dept strongly denied this result.” (611.33/12–551)

    Both Senor Armand Ugon and Sir Senegal were elected to the ICJ on the first ballot.

    ↩
  4. Not printed.↩