Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1944, The American Republics, Volume VII

833.24/1133: Telegram

The Ambassador in Uruguay (Dawson) to the Secretary of State

Montevideo, April 11, 1944—noon.
[Received 2:42 p.m.]

338. Our study of situation supplemented by consultation with appropriate Uruguayan agencies forms basis for following reply to your 197 April 7.⁵¹

1. Uruguay is dependent on Argentina for following products critically necessary to its economy, quantities being shown on annual basis: Anhydrous ammonia 95,000 lbs., potassium chlorate 260,000 lbs., liquid chlorine 30,800 lbs., carbon disulphide 10 metric tons, salt 40,000 metric tons, calcium borate 485,000 lbs., sodium sulphate 9,000 lbs., quebracho extract 3,000 metric tons, barium sulphate 400 metric tons, gypsum 7,000 metric tons, mechanical wood pulp 1,000 metric tons. In undetermined quantities hardwood, railway sleepers, talc for white cement, vaccines and antitoxins for animal diseases, alfalfa seed, molasses and corn for alcohol, and seed potatoes.

2. Government circles do not appear to be seriously concerned over present or future Argentine economic sanctions. This may be due to their failure to appreciate potential threat to Uruguayan economy or to their belief that difficulties are only temporary and normal relations will shortly be reestablished. For present government is concerned principally over political aspects and possible repercussions while public opinion is aroused over petty molestation of travelers.

3. If Argentina continues to withhold export permits, Uruguay will require assistance and we should be prepared to assist with respect to articles listed above either by supplying them ourselves or arranging a source of supply.

4. An actual emergency exists as respects anhydrous ammonium, liquid chlorine, and carbon disulphide. See my 118 January 27 and your 67 February 3,⁵² concerning ammonia. We recommend that our Government facilitate immediate exportation of 15,000 lbs. liquid chlorine in cylinders to be supplied by shipper. Duperial, local affiliate of Dupont, has cabled latter regarding this matter. Uruguayan Government urgently needs 10,000 kilos of carbon disulphide for disinfecting seed wheat held in deposit for next planting. Please advise whether this quantity is available and name of supplier.⁵³

5. If Uruguay’s monthly quota of newsprint could be increased by 100 tons, this would make excellent impression on press and government. For psychological effect here and in Argentina, such an increase would be very opportune and for same reason every effort possible should be made to supply immediately the three products listed under 4.

Repeated to Buenos Aires.

Dawson

51. Not printed.
52. Neither printed.
53. In telegram 210, April 15, 1944, 7 p.m., to Montevideo, the Embassy was advised that the supplies mentioned in this paragraph were apparently available and arrangements were being made for emergency shipments (833.24/1133).