File No. 763.72112/500
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
Department of State,
Washington, December 24, 1914, 5 p.m.
Washington, December 24, 1914, 5 p.m.
[Telegram]
830. Replying to your No. 1308, December 21, 3 p.m.
- 1.
- This is not regarded as practicable or fair to American commerce which must not be shut out from its share of increased trade with European neutrals due to decrease of imports into such countries from countries at war. If this suggestion is in any wise inspired by British Government or is comprehended in its present course toward shipments to Europe, it is effectually answered by recent statement of Premier in House of Commons in defense of remarkable, increased exports of coal and other articles from Great Britain to Scandinavian countries, reported in London Times, which see.
- 2.
- The suggested creation by neutrals named of governmental trusts for control of imports for home consumption is a matter primarily to be determined by them, but such a scheme it is believed would upset present trade relations and result in loss to American concerns of established customers and connections and in depression of prices at which neutral sellers would complain, and this Government could not even tacitly participate in bringing about the suggested arrangement. Objections which this Government might find to such schemes, if consummated, would have to be reserved until their effects were known.
- 3.
- It has been intimated to the Department quite informally that Great Britain threatens to apply to Denmark and probably other countries of northern Europe Article 2 of the order in council of October 29.1 Discreetly ascertain all available information respecting this. Department would appreciate a concise but full statement from you of the situation as regards Great Britain’s course in matter of trade with Europe, and its negotiation with or pressure brought to bear on European neutrals.
- 4.
- The increasing restrictions imposed upon neutral trade by Great Britain’s course provokes deep concern of the Department. The recent action of placing rosin and turpentine in the list of absolute contraband, notwithstanding the previous announcement by the Foreign Office that there was no intention of interfering with that shipment, will necessarily produce serious complications and be received with alarm by those interested, shipment of these articles already having been made while others are now sailing in cargoes of cotton.
Bryan