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Responses included a diplomatic offensive by Rajoy in other countries in the region, assurances by Industry Minister José Manuel Soria of " clear and decisive " Spanish government measures, Foreign Minister José García-Margallo y Marfil's admonition that Argentina had " shot itself in the foot " by damaging relations with Spain ( adding that such a move would make Argentina a " pariah "), and other threats.

According to a Spanish Embassy memo obtained by the Financial Times Spanish executives of YPF were " hunted down " by Argentine officials, and armed guards used " physical violence and threats.

" Repsol's spokesman at YPF at the time refuted the Spanish Embassy story, however, noting that Roberto Baratta ( state representative in the YPF board of directors ) " was formal in his demeanor.

There was no physical struggle, no pushing, or violence of any kind.

The 16 dismissed executives left in their respective company cars, chauffeured to their residences.