811.20 Defense (M) Argentina/321: Telegram

The Chargé in Argentina (Reed) to the Secretary of State

1840. Embassy’s [Department’s] 656, May 12, 1 p.m., and Metals Reserve contract of March 4, 1942.36 The Embassy has received a communication from the Argentine Foreign Office today replying in substance as follows:

1.
The Argentine Government is disposed to authorize once the requirements of Argentine industry are covered and the maintenance of a permanent stock of 200 tons is assured the exportation of up to 100 tons per month of beryl ore destined to the United States, total export permits not to amount to more than 1200 tons per annum. Prices paid for beryl ore will not be lower than those which the United States may agree upon in similar transactions with other countries.
2.
It is likewise disposed to authorize the immediate shipment of up to 500 tons of the exportable surplus of beryl ore destined to the United States.
3.
It will adopt the measures necessary for the proper fulfillment of paragraphs [1] and 2 as soon as the Embassy makes known that the Metals Reserve Company makes effective with the exclusion of clause 4 the contract for the purchase of beryl oxide concluded on March 4, 1942, with Saba.

If terms [are agreeable?] please cable authorization acceptance.

Reed
  1. Contract not found in Department files; for Foreign Office note concerning its provisions, see telegram No. 825, May 5, 11 p.m., from the Ambassador in Argentina, p. 313.