Messersmith, G.S., Buenos Aires. To James F. Byrnes, Washington., 1946 June 15

Arrived May 22 and presented credentials to President [Edelmiro] Farrell on May 23; U.S. objective in Argentina twofold; must persuade her to turn eyes away from Europe and direct them to Western hemisphere; should seek wholehearted collaboration of Argentine people and Government in political, economic, social, and defense fields; three fields in which Argentina has not met her inter-American commitments; a measure of compliance made in field of enemy property; Government hampered by court rulings; action with respect to enemy aliens not adequate, though some progress made; progress made also in closing German and Japanese schools, but some action may still be necessary; question of Southern bloc no longer active, but must keep it in mind and discourage any tendency toward such bloc; Perón inaugurated as President first week in June.