835.24/4–2148: Airgram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Douglas) to the Secretary of State

secret

A–938. US–UK; sale lend-lease tanks by Belgium to Argentine.

FonOff official charged with matters relating to question of lend-lease tanks in Belgium states (Deptel 1258 Apr. 9, 19481):

1.
FonSec Bevin has taken a personal interest in matter and sent a memorandum to departments concerned that Brit. official conduct in this matter has been deplorable, that US Govt. has justifiable reasons for the attitude which it has taken, and that he expected FonOff officials to do everything possible to meet US requirements.
2.
FonOff prepared data for Bevin to talk over the matter personally with acting Belgian Foreign Minister and to urge on political grounds that Belgian Govt. meet US requirements in regard to exportation of any of these tanks from Belgium.

Douglas
  1. Same as telegram 530 to Brussels, supra.