833.24/55
Memorandum of Conversation, by the Chief of the Division of the American Republics (Duggan)
The Minister28 called to say that he wished to consult me with regard to the procedure that he should follow to secure an Export-Import Bank credit of $5,000,000 for the purchase of armament.
I informed the Minister that the first step was for his Government to furnish this Government with a statement of its armament needs. I suggested that this be done in connection with the forthcoming discussions between Colonel Christian and Captain Brereton29 which are scheduled to take place in Montevideo in about ten days. Upon receipt of this statement, War and Navy authorities in Washington will consider it in connection with the requests from the other nineteen countries. On the basis of the findings a recommendation will then be made to the Export-Import Bank as to the credits necessary to permit the purchase in the United States of the armament which our authorities believe can advisedly be secured in this country.
The Minister thanked me for this information and stated that he would send a telegram urging his Government to be prepared to furnish a statement of its needs to our officers when they reach Montevideo.