UNITED STAND

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19821, 24 December 1938, Page 5

UNITED STAND

CHECK TO AGGRESSION

REPUBLICS OF AMERICA ENDING OF DISPUTE ARGENTINE ATTITUDE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—UnitedTTess Ansn.) (Reed. Dec.' 24, 9 a.m.) • '• NfeW YORK, Dec. 23. Repents ifrom Lima stale that .the 'delegates to the Pan-American conference agreed yesterday on the -draft of' the proposed declaration of solidarity of the American' republics, • ending a lengthy dispute between the United States and the Argentine delegates respectively over the wording of such a declaration. It is an Argentine victory, since it contains nothing directly critical of the totalitarian States.

On the contrary, the proposal which the United States delegation circulated was unmistakably aimed at dictatorships, causing its rejection by Argentina and the present mild form of the draft represents a concession to Argentina; yet it carries out the basic objectives of the United States.

The text first of all reaffirms Continental solidarity. Secondly, it reaffirms the decision of the republics to maintain and defend their principles and absolute sovereignty against all foreign intervention or activity. Thirdly, it proclaims common interest in and determination to make effective their solidarity by consultative procedure, if the peace, security or territorial integrity of any of the republics is threatened.

Prior Repudiation

; Prior to the agreement on it'he text, Argentina had repudiated the draft, asserting that the conference chairman had given out the text without awaiting Argentina's approval. Argentina was reported to feel that the action had been taken for the purpose of forcing her to participate in a unanimous approval. The New York Times is informed that the inside story is that the publicised text was virtually the same as the one Argentina was willing to accept last week, although other delegates were unwilling; hence when the others decided on concession in order to satisfy Argentina, it was felt that the latter would not refuse to sign .the drafit which was acceptable last week, and the committee went a'head without consulting Argentina.

It was a sad tactical mistake for Argentina, due to trade ties- in Europe.

Watchfulness lest Argentina should not Ibe accorded equal rank and influence with the United States has so far blocked Or hindered most of the efforts of the conference. It is certain that the chairman's blunder will only magnify this attitude and increase Argentina's distrust of domination by the United States.