President Roosevelt to the British Prime Minister (Churchill)53
No. 588. For the Former Naval Person.56 Your 730. I would not do anything in the world to cut down the supply of meat of England. Heavens knows that it is already quite short enough. We would do nothing to prevent your getting a new contract.
[Page 334]I hope, however, that you will, in very firm, clear, disgruntled tones of voice let Argentina know beyond a doubt that we are all fed up with her pro-Axis sentiments and practices. She is the only nation of North, Central and South America acting thus. I think it would help if you could instill this into their stubborn heads and, at the same time, get the meat contract.
Argentina knows full well that if, on its own initiative, deliveries of meat to England were to be delayed or stopped at this time, its action would everywhere be considered a betrayal of the United Nations.
I suggest that you examine the full statement of our position on Argentina which was transmitted to Winant for delivery to Eden on Thursday of this week.59
I would not, of course, urge this so strongly if it meant less meat for your people. As you know, you are getting all the meat you can carry from Argentina right now even though you have no contract, and you will recall that this was also the case for 10 months prior to the signing of the last contract.
I know that we can continue to count on your help to liquidate this dangerous Nazi threat.