833.61311/4–846

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Uruguay ( Dawson )

secret

148. World deficit in wheat first half 1946 only covered to extent 60 percent by supplies available from exporting countries. Hence not contemplated import requirements of any claimant country can be met in full. Arg represented on CFB Cereals Committee. Since transportation difficulties so severely limit amounts exportable from Arg in this period as to call in question that country’s ability to cover minimum requirements of such historic importers as Braz, Peru, Bolivia and Paraguay, it is unlikely Arg could supply to Uruguay except on basis of minimum consumption needs.

Emb therefore requested ascertain on what consumption basis 100,000 tons import requirement for Uruguay computed.

Byrnes