Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-01-18
Argentina Delivers
Clothing 10 Children
In Midst Of Dispute


Children's Aid Society inclosed with
its plea for aid to Washington's "less
fortunate children" wouldn't quite
hold Argentina's afauent answer.
A big transfer truck which nego-
tiated traffic and controversy with
equal ease, rolled up in front of
the society's dull-red brick row
house at 466 H street S.W. yesterday
afternoon and deposited some $50
pounds of clothing.
It was the gift of foundation
headed by Mrs. Eva Peron, wife of
the Argentine president-clothing
for Washington's children who"
the solicitation had said, would
otherwise suffer-"
The six huge boxes couldn't have
made more of stir.
In their wake were scattered
pockets of indignation that any one
should think foreign help was
needed to care for the Districts
needy. A number Of telephone calls
also came from persons disavowing
all their previous interest in the
Society's endeavors.
Attache Shuns Formally.
The churning background even
put a crimp In what was to have
been a more formal presentation.
With boxes stacked high, neigh
borhood children chattering gaily,
fiashbulbs and questions popping,
Argentine Embassy Attache Angus
tin A. Merlo waived formality.
Lets don't have ceremony" he
said. so many things have hap
pened about this"
To this, Mrs. Fay M. VawterS,
who conducts the Aid Society with
her husband, the Rev. Ralph VaW-
tiers, tearfully replied:
I'VE wish you all the gracious
gifts God can give you" .
Mr.. Merlo expressed a desire to-
waive the situation, too. I'm sorry
1t happened this way. Had I
known what was going to happen I
never would have gotten into it."
Background Of Incident.
This Is what he referred to:
The Argentine Embassy received
one of the society's pleas for help
about December IS, Mr.. Merlo said.
1--WE get circulars for every drive in
Washington" he said. /
Il called Mr.. Vawters and told
him was going to send the request
to the foundation. Later I had a
letter from the foundation which
told me to tell him something
would be done.
Then I received the six boxes"
At first Mrs. Vawters said the gift
came as a complete surprise. She
said she feared rejection OF 1t
would be a gross insult to the
Argentine government" |
AS the shipment was publicized
the State Department at first main
tanned strict neutrality and admit
ted embarrassment"
The Voice of America, the State
DEPARTMENTS foreign broadcasting
service, broadcast factual report
on the gift as soon as it was made
known.
Ben Lindas, attorney for the So
ciety, advised it not to accept the
gift.
Conversation Ends Dispute.
No decision on acceptance had
'oeen made by yesterday noon. Then
here was telephone conversation
,;etween Mr.. Vawters and Henry
Dearborn, the State Departments
Argentine desk officer. /
Mr.. Vawters said he telephoned
Mr.. Dearborn to inquire course.
Mr.. Dearborn said he telephoned
Mr.. VawterS, saying he understood
there was reluctance to accept the |
gift. II merely wanted him to
know the State Department had
no objection and that he should
accept it in the spirit in which 1t
was given" the State Department
official said.
Shortly after 3 pm, Mr.. Vawters
dispatched telegram to the Argen-
tine Embassy. indicating acceptance.
To Be Distributed Saturday.
Mrs. Vawters said the clothing
will be distributed from 8 to II noon
Saturday. We've already had 81
applications" she said.
Meanwhile, Mr.. Vawters was die
tating a letter of thanks which Mr..
Merlo insisted need only be note
saying the boxes were delivered.
With approval Of all principals. it
was shown to the press and said in
part:
I'VE take this opportunity to
thank you for your cooperation in
making this contribution to our
work possible. We wish to thank
Sonora Peron and her foundation
for the gracious gift.
Again we thank you for your
sympathy and for this evidence OF
your desire for all Americans toI
live and work together for the good
OF the people"
Fire may soon empower county