File No. 862.85/321
The Chargé in Uruguay ( Wadsworth ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 23, 5.11 a.m.]
Uruguayan Minister for Foreign Affairs stated to me this morning that the committee has accepted bid of the Emergency Fleet Corporation for the chartering of the German vessels, that another committee [Page 669] has been named to make out a project of contract to be signed between the Emergency Fleet Corporation and the Uruguayan Government. The Minister requested that the last paragraph of the memorandum presented to him (refer to your February 16, 6 p.m.) be altered to read: “In regard to the obligation of the Government which supports a bid accepted by the Uruguayan Government, the Government of the United States wishes to make it clear that on the acceptance of the bid of the Emergency Fleet Corporation, it will take upon itself any responsibility which on account of the use of the ships Uruguay may for any cause incur.” He stated that he requests this to insure the acceptance by the Blanco Party of the project of the law accepting the bid of the Emergency Fleet Corporation. The alteration has been suggested by the leaders of the Blanco Party.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs added that although the agreement between Great Britain and Uruguay states that two ships are to ply between Uruguayan and North American ports and six between Uruguayan and European ports, the Uruguayan Government will be gratified if the United States can arrange with Great Britain that four shall ply between Uruguayan and North American ports. Minister for Foreign Affairs desires to be informed whether this Legation will sign contract or if agent will be appointed by the United States Government.