102.81/4–2447: Airgram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Embassy in Peru
A–172, Following from Commerce: Reference your despatch no. 1324 March 1768 concerning possibility of Peruvian purchase of wheat from U.S. and export of anthracite coal to the U.S.
Inasmuch as Peru and U.S. taking part in International Wheat Conference, believe action regarding any long term arrangements should await outcome of this Conference. In negotiations, Peru has tentatively agreed to import 4,400,000 bushels wheat each year for 5-year period from exporting countries—U.S., Canada and Australia. Argentina has announced her unwillingness to join in agreement at this time. London conference still in session and will require approval of participating governments.
For your information, while this Government would not be directly involved in the import of coal, it seems unlikely that Peru would find satisfactory market west coast U.S. for anthracite type coal since it would have to compete with fuel oil and western produced coal. There may be possibility coking type coal such as produced in Oyon field might compete with or supplement coking coal from Utah for use in California steel industry. In either case, much sales research would be required. [Commerce.]
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