816.24/118a

The Secretary of State to the Salvador an Minister (Castro)

Sir: I have the honor to invite your attention to the offer made by the Government of the United States in the interest of hemisphere defense to furnish the Government of El Salvador with armament valued at $1,640,000. The equipment for this purpose would be provided under the terms of the Lease-Lend Act of March 11, 1941.6

The Congress of the United States enacted on October 28, 1941 the Defense Aid Supplemental Appropriation Act.7 Of the funds appropriated under this act, $150,000,000 have been set aside for the acquisition of military and naval equipment by the other American republics.

The budgetary limitations, however, require that the funds in question shall be obligated not later than February 28, 1942. In consequence of this, it would be appreciated if your Legation, provided it has not done so already, would be good enough to present to the appropriate authorities of this Government at the earliest possible [Page 312] date the official lists of the desired equipment in order that the necessary action may be taken toward the procurement of this material.

Accept [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
Sumner Welles
  1. 55 Stat. 31.
  2. 55 Stat. 745.