File No. 763.72112/2747
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5.10 p. m.]
4606. Your 3552,1 July 21, 1 [8] p. m. In discussing the black list again with Lord Robert Cecil, I suggested that the British Government authorize some of its officials in the United States to receive statements by the blacklisted and to have authority to remove names from the list when good reason for removal is shown. He thought that this suggestion could be carried into effect, and he promised to make an early statement on the subject in the House of Commons. I emphasized to him and Lord Crewe together the most unfortunate effect for them as well as for us that the list is having in the United States. European neutrals also as well as Britannic business interests are remonstrating. I think they see they have made a bad tactical error and I expect a gradual correction of it.
They have had such a list for a year in China and for a shorter time in South America where they say [it] has worked advantageously for them. I reminded them that this gave no reasons for applying it to the United States.