Riley, Nelson. Memorandum on current U.S.Argentine relations to Ambassador [G.S. Messersmith].
Date
2011-06-15
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Offers personal observations; was present in Mexico when problem of Argentina's position in inter-American system confronted Conference of Foreign Ministers, and followed closely developments at San Francisco; after [Spruille] Braden's return from Buenos Aires during reception at Chilean Embassy, heard detailed account from Braden of his private and official war with Perón; had assumed story was offered in confidence, but later heard same elocution when Braden addressed Overseas Writers Club; most of guests were top Washington correspondents and State Department officers; it became evident that U.S. official attitude toward Argentina was being established upon personal hatred of one man for another; was not able at the time to judge the truth or error of Braden's charges as all available opinion and newspaper reports from Argentina supported his case; upon resuming residence in Argentina, renewed acquaintance with many Argentines; many of them opposed to Perón; they doubt his sincerety and doubt his ability to carry through his program; they are especially distrustful of some of his associates; but all agree any change of Government now would be unthinkable; whether for or against Perón, they all resent U.S. interference in their internal affairs; everyone, even U.S., recognizes that election was honest and that Perón won by overwhelming majority; the opposing faction, supported by Braden, although professing Democratic ideals, were old line radicals; Perón has given assurance that press will be allowed complete freedom, and so far there is no evidence to contrary; American press, particularly correspondents [Virginia] Prewett and [Frank L.] Kluckhohn are making Messersmith's task more difficult; they seem to regard themselves as keen observers and commentators, an opinion not shared by their colleagues; in spite of them, has found among old and new Argentine acquaintances respect and admiration for U.S. and its institutions and great esteem for Messersmith himself; Argentine Government has undertaken to fulfill its commitments under Chapultepec agreements; its faltering performance causes irritation, but while Perón is being harrassed by advisers reminding him of legal limitations it does not become U.S. to be continually heckling him with recitation of past errors.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.