HC Deb 31 January 1949 vol 460 cc1362-3
24. Mr. Marlowe

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the nature of the representations which he has made to the Argentine Government in view of the threatened delay in deliveries of meat to Great Britain due under contract between his Department and the Argentine Government.

Mr. McNeil

My right hon. Friend has had a number of interviews with the Argentine Ambassador, at which he has emphasised the serious view which His Majesty's Government take of the prospective shortfall of meat deliveries from Argentina under the Andes Agreement. In addition, His Majesty's Ambassador in Buenos Aires has almost continuously urged on the Argentine Government the need for increasing current deliveries and this, in response to our representations, the Argentine Government have undertaken to do.

Mr. Marlowe

Has the right hon. Gentleman made representations to the effect that if this bargain is not kept, we reserve the right to repudiate any bargain made in relation to Argentine railways, and if not, why not?

Mrs. Leah Manning

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there has been any easing of the position with regard to the Andes Agreement since the fall of Senor Miranda?

Mr. McNeil

I suppose that I should reply to one section of these supplementary questions but perhaps my hon. Friend would put down a question on the arithmetical one to the Minister of Food.

Mr. Marlowe

Would the right hon. Gentleman answer the first question? Have any representations on this matter been made?

Mr. McNeil

His Majesty's Government have made the most severe and direct representations, but I should like notice of any detailed question.

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