File No. 300.115/2070
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7 p. m.]
1450. Continuing reply to your 780, December 19 [18].1 In addition to investigation by Consul General and Stabler and inquiries made by me, Chance, Treasury agent, reports what follows.
Merton and Company, London, copper merchants, sent one of their men named Gardner to the United States seeking agency for the sale of all American copper in Europe. Gardner was unsuccessful. It is not thought that Government had to do with this hut that it was private trade effort to take advantage of situation.
Chance’s information is that no copper has been shipped from England since full embargo on copper was laid except one cargo to an English dealer in Rotterdam who guaranteed local use.
Swedish Legation informs Stabler no copper finds its way to Sweden from England. Prohibition has become more strict since presentation of American note.