835.24/5–1146: Telegram
The Ambassador in Belgium (Kirk) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
566. Department’s 474, May 7.32 We ascertained from Foreign Office yesterday that official government contract had been signed in Buenos Aires April 10 by Pakt of Kronacker Mission for exchange of 25,000 tons of Argentine wheat for 1,000 tons of Belgian TNT. Contract provided for shipment of 250 tons TNT during April and 125 to 120 tons per month thereafter.
This morning I told Spaak33 that my Government and British Government had, as was widely known, long been endeavoring to prevent Argentine Government from acquiring stocks of arms or munitions that while we fully realized Belgians need for wheat my Government was concerned that Belgian Government should see fit to exchange high explosives in large quantities with Argentine Government for it and that this deal might have repercussions in Combined Food Board. I inquired whether Belgian Government could do anything to avoid execution of contract. Spaak seemed slightly embarrassed but said that as contract which was between the two Governments had been concluded on April 10 and as one-half Argentine wheat was already on high seas Belgian Government must carry out contract. He did not know whether any shipments of TNT had yet gone forward. He promised emphatically and repeatedly that Belgian Government would not in future conclude similar exchanges with Argentine Government.
In circumstances I do not believe we here can prevent shipment of TNT but will immediately consult British colleague.
Sent Department 566, repeated London 40.