810.20 Defense/5–2440: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 25—1:38 a.m.]
157. Department’s telegram 76, May 23, noon.35 I have just brought the matter mentioned in the above telegram to the attention of the [Page 22] Minister for Foreign Affairs. Dr. Cantilo was much interested, assured me that he appreciated the importance of the suggestion, particularly at this grave moment and would take it up with the President on his return tomorrow or Monday. He hoped to have a reply from [for?] me early next week.
During the course of the conversation the Minister who appeared to be in a somewhat defeatish mood made reference to the fate that had overtaken the weaker countries in Europe which had attempted to resist German invasion counting on assistance from France and England, but which owing partly to their remoteness had not been forthcoming. He asked in the event of an Allied defeat and the surrender of the Anglo-French fleet what assistance I thought the United States would be able to bring to Argentina and other distant American Republics should they endeavor to resist an attempted German invasion. I replied in general terms I thought that this was one of the questions which such a conference as that suggested would presumably deal with. Dr. Cantilo’s attitude may possibly have been due to his preoccupation over the internal situation coupled with the discouraging news from Europe. I mention it, however, to show the lines along which for the moment he appeared to be thinking.