611.3531/1441: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:86 p.m.]
3. Department’s telegram 291, December 31, 10 p.m. I handed a formal note based upon the Department’s telegram under reference [Page 291] together with a memorandum commenting on the Argentine note of December 30 to the Foreign Minister this evening. The real value of our offers, their finality, and the time element were stressed. A copy of the draft joint statement in the event of failure the negotiations was also handed to Cantilo.
The Foreign Minister’s attitude was not encouraging but he stated that immediate consideration would be given to our latest proposals and that they would be taken up at once with President Ortiz who, he said was taking an active interest in the negotiations. This gave me an opportunity to suggest to Cantilo that I should like to go with him to see the President with a view to assuring him personally that we have made every effort to make an agreement possible. The Foreign Minister appeared to react favorably to this suggestion, but he said that it was important that the President should first have had an opportunity to study our proposals.
Although a definite appointment with the President was not arranged I again stressed the time element and think it probable that it will be arranged for tomorrow.