833.24/12–1844: Telegram
The Ambassador in Uruguay ( Dawson ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:03 p.m.]
1189. Department’s 722, December 16. I have discussed informally with General Campos the matter of tanks allocated to Uruguay emphasizing that War Department went to considerable pains that reconditioned units are furnished our own fighting forces and that new tanks are not available.
He said he would explain this situation fully, referring matter to appropriate officials for consideration. Without committing himself he expressed informal opinion that reconditioned tanks should be acceptable if otherwise satisfactory. He made point that in his opinion an important consideration would be that tanks have substantially same improvements as 12 tanks recently furnished Uruguay (with which according our Military Attaché Uruguayan military are delighted). Campos mentioned as particularly important that tanks be equipped with automatic fire extinguisher in motor compartment and intercommunication system for crew.