817.248/11–1545

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Nicaragua ( Warren )

444. Reurtel 701, Nov. 15. War Dept has received report from reliable source that Canadian Air Force is prepared supply training planes Nicaragua in view our refusal to do so. Dept requests your comments on this possibility, wondering how Nicaragua, which has paid nothing on Lend Lease account for military supplies already received, could explain expenditure in question when Lend Lease payment obviously should take priority. War and Dept also feel such purchase would jeopardize standardization program resulting staff conversations. Dept would appreciate your recommendations and any further information available.

Byrnes