Germans scramble to save deal to repaint Pentagon

A German paint company is fighting to avoid becoming the latest casualty in the wave of patriotism that has swept America in the wake of the conflict in Iraq.

Keimfarben, whose colours have daubed walls at buildings such as the White House and Windsor Castle, is anxious to salvage a deal struck with the US government before the Allies invaded Baghdad. The company had agreed to provide the paint for the Pentagon as part of a project to renovate the US defence headquarters following the terror attacks of 11 September 2001.

But a Congressman from Ohio wants to blacklist Keimfarben in protest at Germany's pacifism during the war. The move follows similar stands taken against anything French – meant to punish France for its opposition to the war – which even saw French fries being rechristened Freedom fries in US government canteens.

Peter Neri, Keimfarben's managing director, said he was dismayed at the possibility that he could lose the deal. He said: "I'd never dream of using international political arguments for a business contract." The Pentagon contract, which involves a protective coating that would be used on the building's outer walls, is potentially worth $4.3m (£2.7m).

Steve LaTourette, the Republican Congressman opposing the deal, is lobbying for the work to go instead to a company from his hometown.

Mr Neri said: "I can relate to the American firms fighting for the contract ... [but] I'm confident we'll seal the deal. I ought to send them a 'thank you' note because they're making our company well-known."

The US Defense Department is expected to make a decision by the end of the week, a spokesman said. The 60-year-old Pentagon building is undergoing a 20-year beautification project worth £3bn.

Keimfarben, which had inadvertently supplied paint for one of the palaces belonging to Saddam Hussein, is also supplying paint for refurbishment at the White House.