File No. 763.72112/1589
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p. m.]
2819. Your telegram number 2123, September 15, 9 p. m., and 2122, September 15, 10 p. m., immediately brought to the attention of Foreign Office which informs me that statement made by British Embassy in Washington meant that that Embassy would receive for transmission to the British Government only those applications which come through the foreign trade adviser of the Department. Foreign Office states that it had no idea of preventing American citizens from presenting their cases direct to it as many persons had done so through the mails in America, through attorneys in London and through their English trade connections. Foreign Office intimated that should the Department desire to suggest that no cases of American citizens be received by British Government for consideration except upon presentation by foreign trade adviser of the Department through the British Embassy they would be willing to enter into such an informal arrangement. Foreign Office reiterated that all applications have received the same consideration no matter by whom presented and stated that cases are considered when the following facts are furnished:
- 1.
- Evidence that goods have been ordered and paid for or contracted for prior to March 1, such as copies of orders countermanding goods, the acceptances in the original.
- 2.
- All details concerning shipments such as markings and numbers of cases, names forwarding agents.
- 3.
- Proof of values of goods as shown by invoices.
Embassy has clearly impressed upon Foreign Office the difficulties which are being experienced due to dissatisfaction amongst importers and it appears to be willing to meet the wishes of the Department, in every way possible.