835.24/20a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Belgium ( Phillips )
11. The Colt Company has informed the Department that it has been negotiating for an arms contract with a commission from Argentina having its headquarters in Brussels. The company further states that its agent is on the ground, that the commission is favorably inclined toward its product, but that influence brought to bear in behalf of foreign manufacturers is having its effect.
The Department desires that you report by telegraph regarding the negotiations of the commission from Argentina, and ascertain from the Colt agent the present status of the matter. Should the opportunity present itself, you may inform the commission of your interest in assuring to American manufacturers fair consideration with regard to any contracts it may consider placing.