800.5018/10–247: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Bruce) to the Secretary of State
1202. Deptels 907 and 908, September 26.32 Saw President and Bramuglia together this morning. President and Bramuglia were familiar with IEFC organization and would give sympathetic consideration and let us know Argentine decision soonest.
President immediately brought up question corn mission here and said difficulty was not Argentine production but possibility transportation. He said large quantities corn and wheat have rotted interior due lack transportation. He mentioned Argentina has approximately 4500 large trucks which could be used for moving corn, but Argentina handicapped current gasoline shortage; also adequate shipping facilities must be provided. He referred Argentina’s commitments Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, other countries and said these commitments must be fulfilled. He also mentioned Argentina’s commitments to Belgium, France, Italy and Spain involving large amounts which Argentina could not collect. President said would have study made immediately Argentina’s possibilities under present conditions and also what they would be if adequate transportation possible. In this connection, he frequently mentioned Argentine shortage gasoline. President assured us he would issue decree immediately [Page 310] giving satisfaction American oil companies operating in Argentina. See Embdes 3033 September 25.33
When increased Argentine production corn arose, President said it had been useless until now urge increased production because more being produced than could be moved.
He said study would be made immediately and would call us, inform us his decision regarding IEFC34 and possibilities increased exports.
When President brought up question of need farm machinery and additional gasoline we told him that there existed shortage of farm machinery in United States, but we would make every effort help both with regard farm machinery and gasoline, although we could, of course, make no definite commitment.
We are seeing Bramuglia this afternoon.