833.24/68: Telegram

The Minister in Uruguay (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

67. For the Under Secretary. The Under Secretary of National Defense5 called on me this morning at the request of the Minister of National Defense6 to say that the latter wishes to inquire whether it would be agreeable to the United States Government to receive the visit of two missions of Uruguayan military officers.

One mission would be composed of 3 artillery officers, a colonel, a major and a captain who would visit the United States in order to study the question of purchase of armaments with officers of the United States Government.

The second mission would be composed of 5 aviation officers, a lieutenant colonel, a captain and 3 other officers. Their purpose would be to study the question of purchase of aviation material, and in addition it is desired that the captain take flying courses at Randolph Field and other schools and that the 3 junior officers take a technical course in maintenance at the air corps technical school at Chanute, Rantoul, Illinois.

The Military and Naval Attachés7 are in full agreement with me that it is most desirable that our Government accede to the wishes of the Uruguayan Government in this matter. I hope that you will instruct me to reply immediately that our Government will be delighted to receive the visit of these officers and to make the necessary arrangements either at the schools indicated or other schools as may appear appropriate. We will endeavor to obtain further information regarding the personnel of the missions and their qualifications and advise the Department later.

Wilson
  1. Carlos Carbajal.
  2. Gen. J. A. Roletti.
  3. Lt. Col. John A. Weeks and Comdr. Frank Loftin, respectively.