823.24/10–1044
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (White)
Sir: There is enclosed34 for the confidential information and files of the Embassy a copy of the Department’s note of even date sent to the Peruvian Embassy in Washington, together with Statement LL–2 prepared by the Foreign Economic Administration showing charges made during the period from May 1 through August 31, 1944 covering articles transferred to the Government of Peru under the Lend-Lease Agreement.
It will be noted that the total charges made through August 31, 1944 for all lend-lease articles transferred to the Government of Peru aggregate the grand total of $10,195,342.17. To date no payment on [Page 1515] account has been received from the Government of Peru, nor has the Department received any information as to when a payment on account may be expected. Furthermore, it will be noted from the enclosed note that under the terms of the Agreement the total amount of payment on account due from the Government of Peru as of March 1, 1944 is $4,000,000. This amount includes the sum of $3,585,000. which was requested in this Department’s note of July 8, 1944.
The Department has noted with interest the statement by the Finance Minister that Peru had the money to meet its payments on account for lend-lease material (Embassy’s confidential despatch no. 880 dated July 18, 1944 and secret despatch no. 1663 dated October 10, 194435), but that the matter had been referred back to the Embassy in Washington for “harmonization” because of slight differences in the accounts. However, no request has been received from the Peruvian Embassy concerning this matter. Such request, if received, will be given consideration by the appropriate agencies of this Government.
In the interim, however, and subject to such adjustment in the statement of account as may be requested, you are requested to approach discreetly the appropriate Peruvian officials concerning the payment due on account. Such officials should be informed that this Government would appreciate it if such payment in the amount of $4,000,000 due under the terms of the Agreement could be made in the form of a check payable to the order of the “Treasurer of the United States, For the Account of the Foreign Economic Administration”.
Very truly yours,