File No. 835.6131/18

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Argentina ( Stimson)

[Telegram]

Your November 29, 1 a.m.1 Secretary, Treasury requests that following cable sent him from Paris by Crosby be transmitted to you:

You have doubtless seen the recent instructions received by French and British diplomatic representatives from their respective governments authorizing them to withdraw suggestions for commandeering cereals and forbidding their export to other countries or any other measures for compulsory sale. You may if you deem wise say to Argentine Minister for Foreign Affairs that you are in entire accord with his view that such measures are impractical and inadmissible. You will of course do all in your power to assist British and French diplomatic representatives to secure desired arrangement with Argentine Government for a sufficient loan to enable French and British Governments to finance the purchase price of all the cereals they are able to acquire, both Governments taking their chances as to the amount of cereals they may be able to purchase in open market. If the question of supply of coal for Argentine needs arises this season you can avoid any definite agreement by assuring Argentina of good offices of United States for a sufficient allocation of tonnage and coal to meet Argentine coal needs.

You may act in manner outlined in this cable.

Lansing
  1. Not printed; see telegram of Nov. 14, 7 p.m., to the Ambassador, ante, p. 366.