811.20 Defense (M)/1934: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:32 p.m.]
415. Embassy’s telegram No. 398, May 6, 5 p.m.,80 In conversation with a member of the staff Dr. Prebisch, manager of the Central Bank, reiterated his interest in the tungsten question and his desire to cooperate in enabling the United States to procure Argentine production. He expressed interest in what had apparently been done in Bolivia81 and stated that while he readily saw the advantage of a long term contract with the United States at a reasonable price he thought care would have to be exercised not to bring down on both Governments criticism because of alleged failure to have a due regard for the producers and their employees. It was clear that he hoped for a substantial improvement over the Bolivian price.
He stated categorically that he thought there should be a good chance of effecting an arrangement at a price “not too far below that paid by the Japanese”, but that it would be very important to have as a reason for diverting tungsten to the United States the necessity of securing certain essential materials from the United States. He made it most clear that a direct connection with specific exports from the United States would be needed as [an inducement] and implied that the absence of such a quid pro quo might make it more difficult to place in operation the plan contemplated.