Messersmith, G.S., Buenos Aires. Memorandum for the Secretary[of State, James F. Byrnes] on inter-American collaboration., 1946 December 10

Summarizes history of inter-American collaboration; fears now because of strained U.S.-Argentine relations that collaboration is threatened; any effective inter-American system must include Argentina; in some respects Argentina the strongest and has greatest potentials for development of all Latin American Countries; other countries including Canada, Great Britain, and Russia recognize this and are courting her favor; Argentina eager to be part of inter-American system for first time in decades and claims no interest in a Southern bloc or Latin American bloc, but continued rebuffs from U.S. may drive her to seek other alliances; U.S. relations with Argentina normal to extent that diplomatic representation is maintained and some trading goes on, but on two points U.S. has remained firm - no arms will be shipped to Argentina and U.S. will make no defense pact with her until she has complied with her inter-American commitments; even former enemies are receiving better treatment; Argentina has complied with most of her commitments and is making progress on the others; no reason to doubt her good faith; laying down blueprint for her to follow would amount to intervention in her internal affairs; present U.S. policy toward Argentina causing concern in other American republics, and U.S. can expect no support from them in any policy which keeps Argentina out of inter-American system; American press has aggravated situation by misrepresenting it; differences of opinion between Asst. Secretary [Spruille] Braden and the Ambassador to Argentina have been overemphasized by press; press overlooks fact that determination of foreign policy is matter for President and Secretary of State rather than Asst. Secretary and Ambassador; such publicity has done much harm; trying by an intransigent attitude toward Argentina to foment change of government in that country; first step is clarification of U.S. position and real policy, and it should be taken without delay.