835.24/8–945: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Winant) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11 p.m.]
8018. Dept. airgram A–2066, July 27,84 quoting telegram 1473, July 7 from Buenos Aires. We were told at Foreign Office today by official directly concerned Argentine affairs that British Govt. is completely in accord with Dept. on desirability of preventing shipments arms, including military aircraft and equipment to Argentina, and that no permits are being issued for shipment such material or equipment. Brit, adhere to previous position, however, that exports light planes for civilian air training or export planes for civilian passenger or freight transport should be permitted providing aircraft cannot be converted by addition of armament for military use and providing further that they lack sufficient speed or carrying power to be used for military purposes.
Foreign Office official referred to recent announcement that state of siege has been lifted in Argentina and said that in his view this was extremely encouraging indication that Argentina’s political situation might soon work out to satisfaction of U.S. and U.K. He added that opposition political leaders in Argentina were referring to Ambassador Braden as “saviour of Argentina”. He attributed abandonment of state of siege to failure of Perón to win support of Radical Party and to dissatisfaction of Farrell and Tesaire with Perón policies,85 Foreign Office official added that should Argentine political situation work out favorably he could perceive no reason why Argentina should not be put in same position as other Latin American states as [regards?] rearmament shipments. He emphasized, however, that any change in policy would clearly depend on present favorable developments reaching fruition.
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Sent Dept. rptd. Buenos Aires, 13.