BRITAIN AND ARGENTINA

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22154, 28 September 1943, Page 3

BRITAIN AND ARGENTINA

NEUTRALITY REGRETTED (United Press Assn—Elec. Tol. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 27 An announcement that Britain has made a trade agreement with Argentina, followed by a reminder to Argentina that she is the only American Republic which has not broken off diplomatic relations with the Axis Powers, is contained in a statement issued by the British Foreign Office. The statement says: “While His Majesty’s Government naturally wishes for the continuance of the long-established friendship and commercial intercourse between Great Britain and Argentina, it remains disappointed at the determination of successive Argentine Governments to maintain neutrality during a struggle which so patently threatens the principles which animated the founders of the Republic.

“It has never been understood in Great Britain why Argentina, alone of the western republics, has failed to give effect to the recommendation of the Rio de Janeiro Conference regarding the severance of diplomatic relations with the Axis Powers, with the result that Axis nationals are still free to conspire on Argentinian soil against the interests and security of the United Nations. “His Majesty’s Government hopes in the international sphere that the Argentine Government will at an early date range itself wholeheartedly on the side of the freedom-lov-ing nations.” Pressure Urged “President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill should press Spain and Argentina to break with the Axis,” stated the Mayor of New York, Mr F. Laguardia, in a broadcast. “Mr Churchill should take Spain by the lapel of the coat and look it square in the eye. Mr Roosevelt should take Argentina, look it square in the eye, and say, ‘Look here; are you with us? We are going to tell you right now where you can expect to get off if you don’t break with the Axis, and where you will get off after the war.’ The United Nations should no longer brook direct or indirect assistance to the Nazis from Spain and Argentina.”