710 Consultation 4/8–147: Telegram
The Chargé in Argentina (Ray) to the Secretary of State
948. I had lunch today with Ambassador Enrique Corominas who will be one of principal Argentine Delegates to Rio Conference. The theme of his extensive and seemingly authoritative remarks was that Argentina wishes to cooperate with the US to make Conference a success, and that all other considerations must be subordinated to achieving harmoniously a completely united front against extra-hemispheric aggression, particularly against Russia. When pressed it was clear that he wished to avoid question of aggression within hemisphere by American nations. He said Argentina will bring up no controversial matters. He envisages that Nicaragua will not be admitted, that discussion of Nicaraguan problem will be postponed till end of conference when she will be told that when she sets her house in order she may adhere to treaty. He expects that Paraguay will offer no problem. He hinted that Argentina might wish to obtain general adherence to its July 7 proposed peace resolution.54 He intimated that Argentina might agree to proposed two-thirds majority rule. He emphasized that these are all small problems which must not be permitted interfere success Conference. The foregoing accords completely previous info Embtel 918 July 26.55
Corominas had considerable to say about the need of US not imposing its will or direction upon other countries; about the desire for parity (presumably in arms with Brazil) and the need of US help in industrialization. He intimated strongly that Marshall Plan should be extended to Latin America, particularly Argentina.
Corominas also referred repeatedly and directly to Russian activities in trying to play off Argentina against US and Brazilian attempts to create antagonisms between US and Argentina; he did not actually name those countries. In his expressed opinion however the only nation which counts besides US is Argentina and an Argentine-US understanding will eliminate all difficulties.
[Page 32]In the most specific way he indicated that this understanding could be achieved by pre-Conference conversations, either in Buenos Aires or Rio or both. He was also specific that we should take intiative in frank talk with Bramuglia. At beginning he said Rio would be success if US and Argentina have pre-conference understanding.
He finally proposed arrange conversation with Bramuglia Monday, Aug. 4 at which he also would be present. I said such interview would be very useful. I have impression approach for conversations was inspired by Bramuglia himself.
If meeting develops I shall immediately inform Dept.
Repeated Rio.