852.00/6408: Telegram
The Chargé in Uruguay (Reed) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:40 p.m.]
39. My No. 38, September 3, 8 p.m.50 The Mexican Minister informs me that President Terra desired to recognize Franco Government [Page 391] some days before Uruguayan note was sent but Foreign Minister Espalter and most of Cabinet opposed such action except after consultation with American states and that Uruguayan note represented compromise between those points of view. He added that Espalter is now endeavoring to have note regarded as consultation rather than proposal.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made no statement regarding the replies received nor has the Government organ El Pueblo published anything on the subject. I learn from my colleagues that the first reply was made by Venezuela stating that the Venezuelan Government has acted in accord with the American nations since the beginning of the Spanish War and would be disposed to participate in a collective recognition of belligerency. The second reply was from Mexico dated August 31, drafted and delivered in Montevideo September 1, and disagreed with the Uruguayan statement that there were two public powers in Spain, declaring that there is only one legally constituted government there and that recognition of the insurgents would be contrary to the principles of international law. The United States note was apparently third closely followed by the Bolivian reply that a rebellion does not necessarily entail the recognition of belligerency which would constitute a manner of recognizing two governments in the same country. Bolivia also referred to the Non-intervention Committee. The Chilean Government has made a preliminary reply pointing out (1st) that recognition would favor the rebels only; (2d) that recognition should be unanimous; (3d) that there should have been previous consultation in accordance with the Buenos Aires resolutions; and (4th) that recognition would hinder the work of the League of Nations. Peru is understood to have made a preliminary reply in the negative sense. Argentina is believed to be strongly opposed to the Uruguayan initiative although neither that country nor Brazil has replied as yet.