ABSTRACT

The Germans were determined to gain the largest possible share of Argentina's export trade. The most attractive feature of the scheme for the British was that payment for the grain would be deferred until after the war, the Argentine government paying the farmers for the duration. It was becoming apparent to the British government, however, that under increasingly disruptive war conditions, persevering with British private enterprise in the grain trade in the River Plate and elsewhere would eventually lead to a crisis which could even jeopardize the war effort. Argentina's new grain policy provoked heavy retaliation, as Britain had the means of control and the United States had a growing commitment to the war. There were a number of basic similarities between the grain trade and the meat trade. In both, the commodity was vital for the war effort of the Western Allies.