833.24/7–2444
The Assistant Secretary of State (Acheson) to the Deputy War Shipping Administrator (Conway)
Dear Captain Conway: With reference to the Department’s letter of July 19, 1944 and your reply of July 24, 194481 concerning a request from the Uruguayan Government for assistance in transporting 8,000–10,000 tons of salt from Areia Branca in north Brazil to Montevideo, the Department has now been advised by the Embassy in Montevideo that the Uruguayan Government has concluded an arrangement with Wilson Sons and Company, Ltd., Montevideo, to ship a minimum of 8,000 tons of salt from the latter’s stock in Areia Branca.
In view of the assurances given on July 17 by WSA,82 the Embassy was advised that shipping space would be made available, if needed. The political effect of these assurances was highly satisfactory, as evidenced by prompt expressions of appreciation received from the President83 and other Uruguayan officials. Although subsequent telegrams have indicated that small amounts of salt may be released by Argentina and there has been some discussion of other alternative sources, it is nevertheless clear that the Uruguayan Government has definitely decided to proceed with the arrangements. In view of the present tense political situation in the River Plate, which, as a result of the recent release of public statements by this Government84 and the Argentine Government, has become more acute than at the time of the original Uruguayan request, it is now even more imperative than formerly that the Uruguayan Government find itself in a position to assure the arrival of these supplies irrespective of any Argentine action.
For these reasons therefore, the Department believes that it is absolutely essential that arrangements implementing the prior commitment be concluded for the allocation of shipping to transport the salt in August or early September.
Sincerely yours,