Evening star., 1947-01-26
i. 5. Welcomes
Argentine Edict
nAxisF Firms
Unusual Statement
Apparently Indicates
Improved Relations
y 0H N'. II"tOWI
Assoeiofed Press Sfoff Writer

In an unusual statement ap-
parently foreshadowing i'm
proved relations with Argentina,
the United States yesterday Off
cially welcomed an Argentine
decree for taking over Axis
firms.
At the same time, this Govern
ment made plain that it still is look
ing to President Juan D. Peron to
rid Argentina of all Axis agents
there.
The statement was issued a short
time after Ambassador George S.
Messersmith, a storm center of
diplomacy for several
conferred with Secretary of
State Marshall and told newsmen
he will return to his post at Buenos
Aires as soon as travel arrangements
can be made.
Messersmith Sees Braden.
Mr.. MeSsersmith also saw Assist
ant Secretary of State Spruille Bra
den, whose tough handling of Ar
gentine affairs he has criticized. In
dicationS are that in returning to
Argentina, Mr.. Messersmith' main
task is to negotiate further with the
Peron administration for deporta-
ton of the enemy agents still in the
country.
The State Departments statement
was unusual because of its generally
tone toward Argentina.
authorities suggested
that this meant no change in Mr..
Braden's insistence that the Argen-
tine government should live up to
its international obligations to wipe
out Axis firms and influences but
reflected American pleasure at q
major step in that direction.
This Government" said the
statement, "has learned of the
PRONUNCIATION of a decree by the
government of Argentina eliminat-
ing enemy ownership and control
of large number of enemy spear
head firms. This is an important
step and comes as welcome addi-
tion to the measures already taken
in respect to Nazi educational and
other institutions.
Consultations are continuing
with the government of Argentina
in respect to enemy agents"
Mr.. Messersmith gave no hint as
to whether he considers his policy
battle with Mr.. Braden win, loss,
or draw.
May Smooth Differences.
The Ambassador return to Ar
gentina, at least temporarily, while
Mr.. Braden remains his boss in the
State Department, also at least tenn
porarily, indicated that the differ
ences between them may be
smoothed out by actions of the
Peron government itself.
Mr.. Braden long ago laid down
the policy that the United States
would not officially develop the
possible relations with
until President Peron had
cleaned out Nazi influences.
Mr. Messersmith, who was chosen
for his job by Mr. Braden, decided
ago that Mr.. PeronN was do
ing his best. The Ambassadors split
with Mr. Braden arose over his feel
ing that Mr.. Braden was being need
lessly unbending.
Actually, this meant that the
United States would not sit in on
the Inter- American Conference pro-
posed for Rio De Janeiro until it's
relations with Argentina were put
in order. It also meant that the
State Department turned deaf
ear to Argentine appeals for Ameri-
can arms.
Taking Over 40 Concerns.
Secretary Marshall is reported to
have given considerable attention to
the Argentine problem since taking
office last Tuesday. He discussed it
with President Truman Thursday.
Mr.. Messersmith's conference with
the Secretary yesterday came shortly
after the Argentine government an
nounced it is taking over approx
mately go concerns which formerly
belonged to nationals of Axis coun-
tries. Such move was one of the
three main actions on which the
United States has insisted. The
other two are deportation of German
agents and the closing down of Ger
man institutions and schools.
Diplomatic officials have indicated
there was general agreement that
has complied sufficiently
on the question of schools and insti-
tutions.
With regard to the remaining is
sue of German agents, the Argen-
tine government recently made
available for deportation some IA
out of the list of So who were sched-
uled to be rounded up. Officials said
eight others have been taken in
custody and the remainer are scat
tered throughout Argentina follow
ing premature disclosure that police
were arresting members of the group.
|tion Mobster,