STRONG CRITICISM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 2, 4 January 1943, Page 3

STRONG CRITICISM

GREAT BRITAIN ON VIEWS IN ARGENTINA Rugby, Jan. 1. The following statement was issued by the Foreign Office: “It is understood that certain agency messages and press articles emanating from or published in London have been quoted in Buenos Aires, and that one such article has been summarised in the official information bulletin of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs in such a way as to suggest that the British Government are in sympathy or agreement with the policy of neutrality now being followed by the Argentine Government. The fact, however, is that the British Government deplore the policy of Argentine in remaining in diplomatic relations with the enemies of humanity. They are astonished that an official Argentine publication should apparently have attempted to suggest the contrary, since they have been at pains to leave the Argentine Government in no doubt of their views."—B.O.W. Buenos Aires, Jan. 1.

The Argentine Foreign Ministry issued a communique expressing “astonishment” over Britain’s criticism, asserting that the British Foreign Office “attacked Argentine policy in terms which are not in keeping with the friendly relations of the two countries.”

According to the Associated Press, observers are of opinion that the strong words used in the communique indicate that Argentina is taking a serious view. Furthermore, the Government has prohibited publication of London’s statement by the Argentine press and radio.