File No. 611.419/106a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
Washington, December 23, 1914.
[Telegram]
819. Representatives rubber interests furnish Department with form of guaranty they will give where license to export plantation rubber is granted by British Government, guaranteeing, in case of manufacturers of rubber goods, that they will not, during embargo, directly or indirectly export or procure exportation waste or crude rubber to any country at war with Great Britain or neutral European countries which have not given satisfactory assurances against reexportation of waste or crude rubber and manufactured products thereof listed by Great Britain as absolute or conditional contraband. In cases of importers and dealers in rubber, guarantees additional to the above against sale of rubber or manufactured rubber products to any person or concern who has not given guaranty in foregoing form. Department hopes British Government will modify existing embargo to permit American importers obtain needed supply crude rubber from British colonies.
Two thousand and odd tons rubber purchased and paid for by American concerns now held London and Liverpool. Department understands informally British Embassy here is conferring with home government respecting releasing this rubber. While this would not relieve situation, it would help materially.