File No. 763.72112/2237

The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

3601. Your 2735, January 17. Article in New York World referred to probably based on discussion in Parliament early in December of Trading with the Enemy (Extension of Powers) Act, 1915, which was made a law by royal approval December 23. This act has not yet appeared in the London Gazette nor was it communicated to the Embassy by the British Government. Nevertheless copies had been procured and were being forwarded by pouch to the Department prior to receipt of your telegram.

I am told informally at the Foreign Trade Department of Foreign Office, a new department lately established [to carry out?] above-mentioned act, that its object is to prevent British Government or person doing business in the United Kingdom from trading with enemies of Great Britain or persons having enemy associations in any part of the world.

To quote official’s private remarks, “Business of Department, etc., is to smash German commerce wherever found.” I am also told that [Page 339] not more than a dozen firms in the United States will be on Department’s black list.

I am cabling text of act in my telegram of January 19, 3602.

American Ambassador