(Sanitized) REPORTS ON SHIPMENTS OF SOUTH AMERICAN COPPER TO SPAIN.

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP63-00084A000200070003-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 30, 1999
• Sequence Number: 3
• Publication Date: December 21, 1954
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Rerease 2000/09/11: CIA-RDP63-00084A00ff1 0700--
21 December 1954
DCN WORK SHEET
1. Subject:
Reports on Shipments of South American Copper to Spain.
2. Reference:
(Copper Shipments - Hamburg and Spain)
3. Summary:
The reference document reports a shipment of about 2,!450 metric tons
of slab copper from Chile to COMEIN, Madrid. Madrid D-244, 1)4 October
1954, in reply to a query about the shipment of 3,000 tons on the
LA MANCHA (DCN 28)4), stated, "because of the strict vigilance exercised
by the COMEIN over the distribution of strategic metals, the Embassy
has no reason to suspect that any of this copper was re-exported from
Spain'
Bilbao D-22, 2 November 1954, described CONEIN as, "The semi-official
Spanish agency responsible for the domestic distribution of strategic
minerals and materials". The same despatch mentioned the expected
COBETAS shipment, reported in the reference communication.
Spanish requirements for copper metal are estimated by FOA to range from
a minimum of 33,000 metric tons to a maximum of 37,000 tons. In 1953
a little over 15,000 tons were produced from domestic sources and 4,617
tons were purchased from abroad, none of which came from Chile. FOA
funds were allotted for the purchase of 14,400 tons of foreign copper
blister and scrap in 1954, in addition to imports of 4,225 tons from
Chile (the 3,000 on the LA MANCHA) and from Germany. The total supply
of copper would still fall short of minimum requirements by 8,000 tons.
(See Tousfo A-70, 31 March 1954).
According to Bilbao D-22, 2 November 19514, 14,194 metric tons of copper
slabs, etc., had arrived or were expected to arrive on the SS MONTE OIZ,
the SS EOLO and the SS COBETAS, leaving about 200 tons to be imported
under the FOA allotment.
In view of the tight copper supply in Spain and the dependence on American
aid , it appears unlikely that diversion of any part of these shipments
would be worth the risk.
7
Nevertheless, there appears to be reason to suspect that some copper is
being diverted via Spain.. Unfortunately, no details can be furnished at
this time.
S_FI-C-R-E-T
Approved For Release 2000/09/11: CIA-RDP63-00084AO00200070003-5
 Approved For Release 2000/09/11: CIA-RDP63-00084A0'b200070003-5
1~. E/ST Suggestions:
a. That MDAC/Washington check the data on the amount of copper to be
acquired by Spain under FOA aid, the extent to which this has been
fulfilled and the origin of the copper.
b. If the answers to "1" indicate that the COBETAS shipment does not
come under the FOA agreement an inquiry be sent to Madrid requesting
further information on its financing, ultimate disposition, etc.
co If the COBETAS shipment is FOA financed omit inquiry on its disposition.
This suggestion is made on the assumption that FOA checks the end-
users of the copper bought with FOA funds. Is this the case?
d. Request immediate checks on atv additional copper shipments to Spain
over the FOA agreement.
DCN Action:
J
S-E-C-R-B-T
Approved For Release 2000/09/11: CIA-RDP63-00084AO00200070003-5