File No. 763.72112/2679
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page )
3543. Your 4507, June 29. You are instructed to approach Foreign Office regarding change notified in status tobacco shipments from this country to neutral consignees in neutral countries and to urge arguments previously advanced in course discussions preceding arrangement that has been in force. You may say that Department feels grave concern about contemplated restrictions upon exportation tobacco from this country and would find itself unable to view the possible action suggested by your telegram as other than an unnecessary change in policy and a most serious interference with our trade. You may point out that there has been no formal complaint against operation of the agreements which have been in force for some months preceding present time, but that, notwithstanding, Commercial Adviser British Embassy advised in writing on July 11 that British consuls had been instructed to discontinue inspections tobacco at American ports prior to shipment and intimated unofficially at same time that inspections of tobacco packages to ascertain whether or not they might contain extraneous matter of a contraband nature would thenceforth be made by the British naval authorities, although he stated that he was without information as to the exact manner in which these examinations were to be made. It is feared that the examinations forecasted may cause greater delay and give rise to more unsatisfactory conditions than those which have hitherto customarily been made. Following receipt of your cablegram under acknowledgment, the Commercial Adviser of the British Embassy promised unofficially to recommend to Foreign Office strongly and sympathetically the cancellation of order mentioned therein and continuance former status quo, and he has now promised to supplement first recommendation with another of equal force. Discreetly endeavor to ascertain how far these recommendations are likely to be considered, and if believed likely to prove ineffective you should press for consideration along lines indicated. Former attitude of British Government made favorable impression on large interests affected and change in policy will unquestionably cause endless irritation among tobacco growers and their many representatives in Congress.