811.20 Defense (M) Argentina/123: Telegram

The Ambassador in Argentina (Armour) to the Secretary of State

271. For the Under Secretary. Your telegram 192, February 10, 9 p.m., reference last paragraph. I agree with you that our Government should be able to purchase in the open market quantities it requires of products mentioned and that there is no need to enter into a contract at this time. However, I should like to discuss this matter with Williams who has been handling negotiations on his return to Buenos Aires next week.

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I have heard reports that Government here is contemplating securing control of products mentioned with a view to forcing our hand but in the absence of more definite information I am inclined to think they would only proceed to such length as a last resort.

Armour