File No. 611.479/22
The Secretary of the National Association of Wool Manufacturers (W. L. Marvin) to the Secretary of State
Dear Sirs: The report is apparently confirmed that as a war measure an embargo has been placed upon the exportation of wool from Australia to any country except the United Kingdom. This sweeping measure will have a serious effect upon the wool manufacturing industry of the United States.
Australasia, including New Zealand, is the greatest producer of raw wool, in the world, its output reaching about 700,000,000 pounds annually. Australia is the principal source of our supply of imported wools suitable for clothing purposes, and under the new tariff law these imports from Australia have been largely increasing.
Many American mills have lately made engagements of Australian wools, and other mills were preparing to place considerable orders. There was a prospect that a great and valuable trade would be done direct. But the reported embargo will not only prevent Americans from making further purchases, but will prevent the shipment of wools already purchased and required for the use of American machinery.
On behalf of this association, which represents the major part of the active woolen machinery of the United States, I would respectfully urge that immediate steps be taken by the Department of State, through representations to the British Government, to secure a modification of the embargo that will allow Australian wools to move as needed to the ports of this country. There can be no question that. American manufacturers will be willing to give the most conclusive guarantees that wools bought by them will be consumed in American mills, and that none will be allowed to pass into the possession of enemies of the United Kingdom and her colonies.
I am [etc.]