Messersmith, G.S. Memorandum to Secretary of State [George C. Marshall].
Date
1947-01-24
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware Library, Museums and Press
Abstract
Description
Gives resumé of Argentine events since Perón elected President, in what all now recognize as honest election; Perón has declared his intention of governing constitutionally, and so far has; U.S. relations with Argentina normal except that in accord with statement made by former Secretary Byrnes on April 8, 1946, U.S. will not sit down at defense meeting with Argentina until Argentina has met her commitments under the Acts of Mexico City; first act of new Argentine Congress was to ratify those acts; adequate action has been taken in matter of Axis schools and institutions; progress has been made in the matter of enemy property and enemy aliens; believes Argentina has gone 75 percent of way toward compliance - more than many other American republics - and expects to go the other 25 percent; unjust to set criteria of fulfillment of commitments for Argentina not applied to other countries; U.S. is committed under acts of Mexico City to sit down in defense meeting in Rio to formulate defense pact; there is general agreement such a pact would be ineffective without Argentine participation; other American republics eager for meeting and are concerned over its continued postponement; failure to compose situation will force Argentina to seek friendships with other nations, to U.S. detriment; Argentina one of best U.S. customers; present situation prejudicing U.S. investments in Argentina, and endangering hemisphere solidarity; a feeling of unrest and uncertainty exists not only in Argentina but in other American republics concerning U.S. attitudes and practices, and the consideration of U.S. interests as well as continental defense and political and economic cooperation points to necessity for speedy solution.
Keywords
Messersmith, George S. (George Strausser), 1883-1960.