January 10, 1951
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation
Secretary Brannan called the Secretary concerning the possible purchase of meat from Argentina and Mexico. He said there is a buy-American provision, he thinks it is a part of ECA legislation, which requires the US Government to buy things domestically except under extraordinary circumstances. He said in consideration of meat supplies and price control and rationing the acquisition of meat from Argentina and small quantities from Mexico had been considered and he wanted to alert the Secretary to the fact because of the possible political effect. He said he thought it might prove advantageous in dealing with Peron to work out purchases of meat from Argentina. He said he is going to ask General Marshall and his people to explore the purchase of meat from the sources mentioned for military use off shore and in occupied territories. He mentioned that fresh meat cannot be brought into this country because of quarantined regulations, but canned meat can be imported for domestic use and he said Argentina canned the best grades of meat, while the packers here can the poorer quality.
The Secretary said he believed the State Department would be thoroughly with Mr. Brannan in this matter.
Mr. Brannan then mentioned that, as the Secretary may be aware, the British are negotiating for the purchase of Argentine meat, with the British saying 28 and the Argentines saying 32.
The Secretary replied that the British may request us to stay out of the Argentine market.
Secretary Brannan said he thought it important to say something about the problem and he believed some of the Western Senators and Congressmen are conditioned to let the Army make the proposed purchases. He did not think it would be necessary to get legislation changing the Buy American act as he thought the emergency powers would permit such purchases. Mr. Acheson said it might be better to change the legislation.
L.D.B
S:DHM
January 10, 1951
Memorandum of Telephone Conversation
Secretary Brannan called the Secretary concerning the possible purchase of meat from Argentina and Mexico. He said there is a bi-American provision, he thinks it is a part of ECA legislation, which requires the US Government to buy things domestically except under extraordinary circumstances. he said in consideration of meat supplies and price control and rationing the acquisition of meat from Argentina and small quantities from Mexico had been considered and he wanted to alert the Secretary to the fact because of the possible political effect. He said he thought it might prove advantageous in dealing with Peron to work out purchase of meat from Argentina. He said he is going to ask General Marshall and his people to explore the purchase of meat from the sources mentioned for military use off shore and in occupied territories. He mentioned that fresh meat cannot be brought into this country because of quarantine regulations, but canned meats can be imported for domestic use and he said Argentina canned the best grades of meat, while the packers here can the poorer quality.
The Secretary said he believed the State Department would be thoroughly with Mr. Brannan in this matter.
Mr. Brannan then mentioned that, as the Secretary may be aware, the British and Argentine officials have been negotiating for purchase of meat, with the British saying 28 and the Argentines saying 32.
The Secretary replied that the British may request us to stay out of the Argentine market.
Secretary Brannan said he thought it important to say something about the problem and he believed some of the Western Senators and Congressmen are conditioned to let the Army make the proposed purchases, which would not be violating the bi-American provision, under the declaration of the emergency.
L.D.B.
S:DHM