833.248/1–2346
The Chargé in Uruguay ( Sparks ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 23—6:46 p.m.]
42. Deptel 20, January 17. Embassy concurs in interim allocation of aircraft to Uruguay Armed Forces and recommends prompt advice of proposed action to Uruguayan authorities. Concurrence is [Page 1271] based on fact that allocation is only small portion of equipment envisaged in staff conversations, that payment can be made from available lend lease balance and not necessitate congressional discussion at this time, and that planes will probably be made available at low figure presumably surplus price equivalent to or lower than lend lease price to Uruguay. Thus “implied commitments” arising out of lend lease overpayments and staff conversations will be partially discharged and ample time will be allowed to review basic policies of military collaboration. Some adverse comment may be expected from opposition, particularly Herreristas.