File No. 763.72112/1575
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
2122. Supplementing cablegram of this date, information has come to the Department that the American agents and employees of the London attorneys who have procured permits for the forwarding of goods of German and Austrian origin are continuing to solicit of the American importers the putting of their cases in the hands of the attorneys mentioned on the grounds that they and they alone can procure these permits, accompanied by a guarantee that they will secure the permits within the period of four weeks, on condition that the importers agree to give them a certain percentage of the [Page 237] value of their shipments. These representations are evidently intended to convey the idea that the attorneys mentioned can accomplish results that can not be accomplished through the foreign trade advisers’ office acting unofficially or in any other way.
Department is also informed from various sources that permits have been granted and goods have actually come forward since your 2759, September 6,1 assuring the Department that applications, through the foreign trade advisers would at least receive as favorable treatment as through private American attorneys in London. This, information, if true, is considered by the Department as inconsistent with the assurances given through your telegram of September 6.
You will consider all this in connection with the Department’s cablegram of even date herewith.