835.00/1457: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:11 p.m.]
1218. At the meeting of American colleagues this evening I outlined our Government’s position in accordance with my telephone conversation today with Duggan.12 It was decided that the Uruguayan Ambassador13 as Dean would request his Government’s permission to call informally on General Rawson and to thank him for his expressions of solidarity transmitted through the First Secretary of the Paraguayan Embassy and particularly his reference to the Government’s intention to carry out the Río resolutions. It was agreed that this procedure would probably elicit from Rawson confirmation of statements already made to the Paraguayan which I pointed out was important to have as Rawson’s previous declarations had been made prior to the formation of the Cabinet.
If Rawson confirms these statements to the Uruguayan Ambassador it was the opinion of the colleagues that this should furnish us all the assurances we could reasonably expect. I pointed out very clearly to them that it was not my Government’s intention or desire to bargain with the new Government or to impose a break in relations with the Axis as a condition precedent to recognition: that we merely felt that some more definite knowledge of the Government’s intentions regarding foreign policy was desirable particularly because of the presence in the new Cabinet of certain officials of doubtful sentiments. While the colleagues all agreed that the inclusion of certain persons in the Cabinet was unfortunate, those who know Rawson well are convinced that he will dominate the Cabinet and that any assurances we can secure from him will be carried out.
We are to meet tomorrow at noon to hear the result of the Uruguayan Ambassador’s visit which it is presumed his Government will authorize. It was further agreed that no action towards recognition would be taken by any one of us without consultation with the entire body. In view of the Uruguayan Ambassador’s call on Rawson tomorrow my colleagues decided not to communicate with their respective Governments tonight the information I gave them regarding our Government’s position on the question of recognition.