During the early years of World War II, Argentina maintained close relations with the Axis powers while officially remaining neutral. These close relations with the Axis irritated the United States, which cancelled weapons shipments to the country while increasing shipments to Argentina's neighbour, Brazil, in an attempt to pressure the Argentine government to abandon its ties with the Axis. Newly elected president Ramón Castillo drew Argentina closer to the Axis; in 1942 Argentina approached Germany with a request to purchase airplanes, weapons, and other equipment.
During the early years of World War II, Argentina maintained strong ties with the Axis powers while officially remaining impartial. These close relations with the Axis annoyed the United States, which cancelled arms deliveries to the country while increasing shipments to its neighboring nation, Brazil, in an effort to persuade the Argentine government to sever its connections with the Axis. Newly elected president Ramón Castillo drew Argentina closer to the Axis; in 1942 Argentina approached Germany with a request to purchase aircraft, munitions, and other equipment.