868.24/123a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina (Armour)
107. The Greek Legation has informed the Department that there are now in Argentina stocks of shells of 75, 105 and 155 millimeter [Page 702] calibers manufactured locally at a factory alleged to belong to the Schneider Company. The Greek Government is anxious to purchase 300,000 shells of the 75 millimeter and 150,000 shells of the 105 millimeter calibers but has learned that the Argentine Government may oppose this transaction for reasons of neutrality. The Legation has therefore inquired whether the United States War Department could buy this ammunition for subsequent sale to the Greek Government.
In order to enable the Department to give appropriate consideration to this matter, please endeavor to ascertain discreetly and informally whether these munitions actually exist and if so, whether they might be purchased by the War Department.