The Pittsburgh Press (February 15, 1946)
Simms: Hemisphere unity at stake in U.S.-Argentina quarrel
If some Latin nations side with Peron regime, anti-Yankee bloc will be set up
By William Philip Simms, Scripps-Howard foreign editor
WASHINGTON – The outcome of the quarrel between the United States and Argentina will decide issues of supreme importance not only to the two nations directly involved but to the entire hemisphere.
At stake is whether we are to have unity within the Western Hemisphere or a balance of power made up of hostile blocs, European style, with all that such balances inevitably mean.
At stake is the whole one-for-all, all-for-one Pan-American system so patiently built up at Havana and elsewhere in years of painstaking effort.
I have attended most of these inter-American conferences. Almost always Argentina was the principal hold-out. Though her population always has been credited with being overwhelmingly democratic her political leaders have looked to Europe for inspiration.
Resent ‘Yanqui’ influence
Especially, it seems, these leaders have resented “Yanqui” influence among the American republics. They have felt that Argentina, rather than the United States, should be the rallying-point of inter-American activities.
It became an open secret that some Argentines aimed at creation of a South American bloc, under Argentine leadership, in opposition to a North American bloc. Roughly the dividing line would be the Panama Canal.
And the way they played ball with Nazi Germany is abundantly set forth in the Blue Book just issued by the U.S. State Department. They planned to make Argentina the Germany of the Western Hemisphere.
The Blue Book charges bring the whole business to a showdown.
Byrnes consults Latins
Secretary of State James F. Byrnes says he is now consulting the rest of the Americas regarding Argentina. This means the American republics must choose sides. They all have copies of the charges.
If they believe the charges, the next step would be to break off relations.
But even if only a few support Argentina, the unity of the Americas will be disrupted and an anti-U.S. bloc can be set up.