Messersmith, G.S., Buenos Aires. To Secretary of State [George C. Marshall], Washington., 1947 February 13

Associated Press dispatch from Buenos Aires, appearing in New York Times, states Messersmith was met at airport on his return from Washington by President and Senora Perón; when Senora Perón chided Messersmith for remaining away so long, he was quoted as saying, "Yes, but I had to tarry because the situation was very grave"; it is correct that he was met by President and Mrs. Perón and by Foreign Minister and had brief conversation with them; in reply to Mrs. Perón's statement about long absence, said that stay in Washington had been prolonged for several reasons, but was glad to be back; said nothing like sentence quoted above; asked head of AP in Buenos Aires who had sent in despatch and he replied that he himself had, but that he had not been present at the airport and had gotten the information by telephone from an Argentine correspondent.