The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page )
2065. Your 2730, September 1. Department greatly surprised and disappointed.
Consul Skinner informed Department Bride and Hays are obtaining permits for German goods ordered prior March 1, 1915, where purchasers liable, also in all submitted cases where ordered f. o. b., regardless of payment if buyers liable, and that these permits apply to cases mentioned by him which cover goods worth several millions of dollars. Newspapers state other attorneys at London getting permits. Thousands of importers are pressing Department to learn whether they can have similar permits, what channels are open to them, and whether applications can be made to British Embassy here through foreign trade advisers acting unofficially. They cannot understand why as much consideration will not be given State Department as is accorded to private attorneys; nor why applications may not be considered by the British Embassy here in order to facilitate the business, as in cases presented prior to June 15. Some of them are suspicious of discrimination and other wrongs and complain that their competitors have been given undue advantage. Many complain of being misled by the British note of June 221 wherein it is indicated that the permits now granted would not be allowed and feel that they were entitled to notice of any change in the attitude of the British Government. Thousands of American importers with scores of millions of dollars at stake are pressing the Department for information as to what they may do and through whom applications may be presented and whether they cannot be made to the British Embassy here and whether they can expect as favorable treatment through foreign trade advisers as through private attorneys in London.
The Department feels that these importers are entitled without delay to the information sought and is greatly surprised to learn that the British authorities deem it necessary to consult the French Government before answering these inquiries. The importers are asking whether the French Government was consulted before permits now being allowed in London were granted.
You will informally acquaint the appropriate authorities with these facts and press for immediate answer.