Evening star., 1946-12-24
Showdown on Policy
In Argentina Seen as
kessersmith Returns

George s. Messersmith, Am
bassador to Argentina, was back
in the United States today for
what is expected to develop into
a showdown" over his efforts to
soften United States policy
toward the Peron government in
Buenos Aires.
Secretary of State Byrnes, who
has sought to sidestep the show
down which Mr.. Messersmith is re-
ported determined to have, is ex-
pected to stand by his policy of in
sisting that Argentina take more
definite action to rid itself OF Nazi
influences before being fully ac-
cepted as a good neighbor,' re-
gardless of what the Ambassador
has to say.
Mr.. Messersmith had absolutely
nothing to say about the reported
conflict when he arrived here late
yesterday by plane. He said he was
going to Wilmington, Del, to spend
the Christmas holiday with rela-
tives, returning here Thursday for
talks with State Department offi-
cials.
Byrnes Is in Aiken.
Secretary Byrnes is spending
Christmas in Aiken, S. c., and the
time of his return here is uncertain.
This left indefinite the time when
Mr.. Byrnes and the Ambassador will
meet.
Mr.. Byrnes indicated that he did
not even want to talk to Mr.. Mes
sersmith about disputed points in
Argentine policy when he an
nounced last week that he had sum-
moned the Ambassador here for
consultation.
The Secretary emphasized then
that the call was not to discuss the
adequacy or inadequacy OF Argen-
tina's compliance with conditions
set out in his statement OF last
April 8, but concerned another mat
Ter which he refused to divulge.
The Byrnes April statement
made it clear that this Govern
ment would not enter into negotia-
tions with Argentina for an inter-
American defense treaty until the
Peron government had shown by
deeds. and not only words. that 1t
was living up to its commitments to
expel Nazi agents and eliminate
NaZi control of much of the coun-
try's economy.
Stand Is Outlined.
Mr.. Messersmith has been insist
ing In his ofiicial reports from
Buenos Aires and in personal let
ters to numerous State Depart
ment officials that the Peron gov
ernment has taken sufficient action
to meet the conditions laid down
by Mr.. Byrnes.
This has brought him into sharp
policy conflict with Spruille Braden
his predecessor in the BuenoS Aires
most and now Assistant Secretary OF
State for Latin American affairs
Mr.. Braden, fully backed by Secre-
tary Byrnes. has taken the position
that the Argentine action reported
by Mr.. Messersmith has not been
sufficiently effective.
Mr.. Messersmith. 63-year-old vet
eran diplomat. is reported convinced
that relaxation of this Governments
tough attitude would bring full
Argentine cooperation for inter-
American unity.
Met by Envoy.
On his arrival here, Mr.. Messer-
smith was met by DR.. Oscar Ivanis-
sevich, Argentine Ambassador to
Washington. who praised him as "a
truly great representative OF the
United States who has won the
respect and admiration OF the
people"
DR.. Ivanissevich's statement added
that no personal or subordinate
interest will ever succeed in separat-
ing our common destiny" His men
ton of personal" interest was as
sumed to refer to Mr.. Braden.
In Buenos Aires. Argentine For
eign Minister Juan Bramuglia an
nounced that IA alleged Nazi agents
had been deported from Argentina
aboard a ship sailing Saturday for
Hamburg He said this action
should be considered as evidence
that Argentina will continue to full
fill her international commitments
The announcement added that Axis
property and business concerns In
Argentina soon will be either 'liqui-
dated, nationaliZed or reformed as
private concerns with Argentine
owners"