3
surmount the present political difficulties. If we get it will
go to the common pool for allocation by the Combined Food Board.
If we fail to get it both the Americans and ourselves are running
the risk of those liberated countries which have foreign balances
competing independently for the meat, running up the prices and
thus benefiting only the Argentines.
I think, therefore, you ought to be warned now of the position
which is likely to arise.
The Foreign Secretary has seen this minute and knows that I am
sending it to you.
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT to PRIME MINISTER.
T. 1481/4. 23.7.44.
Your 730.*
I would not do anything in the world to cut down the supply
of meat of England. Heaven knows that it is already quite short
enough. We would do nothing to prevent your getting a new co
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.
*T. 1447/4.
MR. STETTINIUS to PRIME MINISTER.
T. 1559/4. 4.8.44.
Your clear and direct reference to Argentina in the Commons
effectively states our common position toward the Farrell regime.
It is a great contribution. There can now be no doubt in Argentina
or anywhere else concerning our joint determination to stand
firm on non-r %ecognition and to see the business through until
we are certain that there is no remaining vestige of Nazi power
or influence in this hemisphere. The Secretary, who is away from
the Department for a few days, has personally asked that I associate
him whole-heartedly with this message.
PRIME MINISTER to MR. STETTINIUS.
T. 1560/4. 5.8.44.
Thank you so much for your message and Mr. Hull for associating
himself with it. Please do not forget our beef and mutto
*T. 1559/4.
PRIME MINISTER to PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT.
T. 1655/4. 23.8.44.
I am thankful that you see our point about getting a new Argentine
meat contract. We are going ahead accordingly with these difficult
negotiations and hope that nothing will happen to hazard them.
We have no wish or intention to present the Colonels with anything
they can represent as a diplomatic triumph.
2. I hope that you liked my reference to Argentina on 2nd
August; from all accounts Argentines do not seem to have liked
it. We seem to be agreed as to objectives and I hope that we
can also agree as to tactics. We will not send our Ambassador
back or recognize the Argentine Government until we have discussed
with you what we think the situation requires. Our Embassy have
now received our views and passed them to your State Department.
Now that we have said in public just what we think of the present
Argentine Government I do most earnestly hope that you will ignore
the Colonels for a good many weeks, thus giving both of us an
opportunity to examine a common policy and the Argentines a chance
to mend their ways, which they Can never do under the glare of
public indictment.