Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1943, The American Republics, Volume V

811.20 Defense (M) Brazil/2594: Airgram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Brazil (Caffery)

Washington, February 17, 1943—5 p.m.

A–912. Your A–219, February 2, 1943, 3:00 p.m. The Department approves the position taken by the Embassy with regard to Argentine efforts to obtain crude rubber stocks from Brazil and considers the Counselor’s handling of this matter to have been very effective. Both from the point of view of our rubber supplies and of our general relationship with Argentina, it is important that we continue to take a firm stand on any such proposal. In this connection the Embassy in Buenos Aires reported on February 13³¹ that Argentine crude rubber consumption for the fourth quarter of 1942 was 895 tons and that stocks on hand on December 31 were 2700 tons; reclaimed rubber consumption, fourth quarter, 147 tons, stocks on hand December 31, 505 tons. It would appear from this that Argentina’s need is by no means as critical as represented, aside from the other considerations involved.

Hull

31. Telegram No. 346, not printed.