835.00/1–445: Telegram

The Chargé in Argentina (Reed) to the Secretary of State

13. Events principally of external nature appear to have slowed down deterioration of Government’s internal position reported in despatch 16317, October 7.5 Government is increasingly unpopular but its army support has considerably strengthened through greater measure of unity being achieved among officers, especially at Campo de Mayo, on basis of belief, shared by many civilians, that political and military difficulties being experienced by Allies will result in decrease of pressure from abroad as prospect of early termination of war diminishes. These difficulties include German counter offensive, British situation in Greece, British-American disagreement over Sforza incident6 American press criticism of British policies of Southern Europe, and attacks on United States by such British organs as London Economist and Yorkshire Post.

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Increased confidence and assertiveness are noted on part of Government officials. Personal observation and rumors indicate Government contemplating stiffer attitude toward U.S.

It seems Government no longer has much interest in proposal for meeting of Foreign Ministers.9 Usually well informed source reports Argentina would have withdrawn request for meeting had Pan American Union Board met yesterday and will now do so at meeting on January 11.

Annual promotions and changes in army commands soon to be announced should throw interesting light on situation within Government.

Reed
  1. Not printed.
  2. For documentation relating to this subject, see Foreign Relations, 1943, vol. ii, pp. 402 ff. and ibid., 1944, vol. iii, pp. 996 ff.
  3. For documentation on this Argentine proposal, see Foreign Relations, 1944, vol. vii, pp. 27 ff.