835.34/412: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Jay) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
76. Department’s telegram No. 41, dated October 18, 1 p.m. Embassy’s despatch No. 168, October 6,6 which was mailed on October 7, should reach the Department within a few days. In it was enclosed a translation of the new naval appropriation act finding an expenditure of 75 million Argentine gold pesos to be spread over the next 10 years.
As was mentioned therein, the Minister of Marine, when I approached him, told me that American shipbuilders such as Fore River and Cramps were being requested to make tenders in common with European competitors.
I do not understand the situation which the local agent of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation described as having been managed in a hurried and furtive manner inasmuch as I consider the Minister of Marine to be personally most friendly to the United States. However, I will immediately and actively take the matter up with the Foreign Minister and advise the Department by telegraph.
This morning I discussed the matter privately with Ambassador Pueyrredon.7 He refused to believe the alleged exclusion of American tenders. He promised me his support if necessary.