Foreign Relations of the United States, 1946, The American Republics, Volume XI

823.61311/8–2346

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Cooper)

secret

Washington, August 28, 1946—7 p.m.

759. Peru’s fluctuating position with respect wheat requirements has resulted in strong opposition Dept Agriculture against diversion for Peru shipments destined other countries. Information available does not indicate imminent crisis. Your 917⁹ reports flour stocks Lima, Arequipa adequate Sep and 7,000 tons wheat arriving Argentina late Sep. These figures indicate sufficient wheat through approximately Oct 20. If this analysis incorrect and Embassy has other information independently assembled indicating stocks sufficient only for shorter period, will be helpful in stating case to Agriculture. Present indications that shipments will not be available prior end Sep or middle Oct.¹⁰

In evaluating need for Peru, must be recognized that any shipments prior to dates indicated above will mean diversion from other destinations whose requirements considered essential by Dept.

Acheson

9. August 23, 1946, noon, not printed.
10. Telegram 837, October 3, 1946, 7 p.m., to Lima, indicated that 8,000 tons of wheat and 9,000 tons of flour were allocated to Peru for the October to December period (823.61311/10–346).