833.61311/4–1046

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

secret
us urgent

222. Average Uruguayan consumption wheat about 250,000 tons. Deptel 148, April 8 actual and estimated crop shortages total roughly 100,000 tons. Foreign Minister51 states while this amount required for normal needs, Govt is about to ration wheat probably on basis of [Page 1290] reduction of one-third in wheat deliveries to mills. Foreign Minister expresses personal belief that country can get by with imports of 50,000 tons. Inquires urgently whether US can assure supply of 50,000 tons for July delivery. Embtel 22052 today Foreign Minister points out that such assurances would greatly strengthen Uruguayan position vis-à-vis Argentina.

Dawson
  1. Eduardo Rodriguez Larreta.
  2. April 10, not printed.