President Roosevelt to the British Prime Minister (Churchill)2
No. 628. We have been informed by Winant that the Ministry of Food now intends to conclude a 4-year contract for the exportable surplus of Argentine meat with prices firm for the first 2 years. Winant does not state whether the proposal of the Ministry of Food has been approved by the Government.
I feel very strongly that the conclusion of any contract at the present time would seriously prejudice our entire stand and would create the impression in Argentina, throughout the American republics, and in this country that we are not standing together on this important problem. Your people here in Washington have undoubtedly informed you that the position which we have taken toward Argentina has the overwhelming support of our press and of all sectors of our public.
You will recall that your people negotiated for 10 long months before you signed up your last contract with Argentina, and that was done before the Colonels3 took over in Buenos Aires.
For the reasons which I have expressed to you on several occasions, and which I recently expressed publicly,4 I hope you will continue on a month to month basis for some time to come. I feel that we can break this problem if we present a firm united stand during the weeks immediately ahead.