File No. 165.102/169
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany ( Gerard )
Washington , October 12, 1914.
[Telegram]
399. Heller and Merz Company, New York, have 2,000 carloads coal-tar dyes consigned them by Bubeck and Dolder, per steamer Nieuw Amsterdam, from Basle, Switzerland, via Rotterdam, held by German Government; similarly 2,300 carloads coal-tar dyes consignee them by Sandoz Chemical Works per steamer Ryndam, from Basle, Switzerland, via Rotterdam, also detained. Make urgent representations to German authorities that these and other like detained shipments may come forward. These shipments property of neutrals who guarantee its use in United States only Shortage of dyestuffs in United States is of urgent importance. Why may not these dyes come forward on ship Matanzas now on its way to Rotterdam under American charter party for cargo of dyestuffs?
Department has information from cotton exporters that cargoes of cotton on neutral vessels intended for German spinners are being arranged. Can you ascertain if such cargoes via Rotterdam or Copenhagen would probably meet with any opposition from embargo by Netherlands or Danish Government on reexportation to Germany? Exporters inquiring on this point.