800.6363/566a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina (Armour)
376. As you have been previously informed, there is an impending shortage of tankers for petroleum deliveries both to the east coast of the United States and to Latin America. It is not desired to apply whatever reduction is necessary in deliveries against industries producing materials for our war effort. These should continue to be supplied with their full requirements. In Argentina the following companies have been tentatively selected: Armour, Swift, LaBlanca, Wilson, Bovril, Frigorífico Anglo, Smithfield and government-owned packing houses.
The Department would appreciate any suggestions you may have for additions to this list. Among these may be certain mining establishments and utilities directly related to such activities.
Please determine the tanker-borne petroleum requirements of these for the year beginning April 1942. Ships bunkers, British Ministry of War Transport, and Navy needs will be determined here. Please cable this information urgently.
You are also requested to commence preparation of studies by uses of all other petroleum requirements for the same period. The studies should give estimates of the reductions possible in the uses of tanker-borne petroleum products, bearing in mind that only the most essential requirements may be met.