823.248/10–1044

Memorandum by the Acting Director, Office of American Republic Affairs (Armour), to the Secretary of State

The Secretary: The Munitions Assignment Committee, Air, has taken favorable action on the Peruvian request for 12 dive bombers but has not yet transmitted the case to the Munitions Assignment Board for final action. The decision in this case was made in full knowledge of this Department’s determined opposition.

The Peruvian officials interested are well aware of the fact that this Department is opposed to the allocation question. Our attitude on the matter is no secret to them. In the event of ultimate rejection, it will be attributed to us.

The matter is of such importance, however, that I am still of the opinion that we should take the necessary steps, under the authority granted by the President, to have the allocation either set aside completely or maintained indefinitely in the “pending” file.32 Your authority for such a step is to be found in the attached brief memorandum33 from Admiral Brown, Naval Aide to the President.

Norman Armour
  1. The Department of Defense has supplied information to the effect that the official records of the Munitions Assignments Committee (Air) and the Munitions Assignments Board, Washington, contain no indication that either agency considered the Peruvian request for 12 dive bombers at any time during 1944 subsequent to July 26.
  2. Not printed.