File No. 763.72112/3143

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

[Telegram]

4048. American Minister Copenhagen cables November 9:

I am informed by Merchants’ Guild that there are still 5,753 hogsheads and 948 cases of tobacco which were received during August and September. Seven hundred and twenty-two hogsheads have been released.

The British Legation here has received instructions that no guarantees from Danish associations are required for consignments of tobacco for Danish firms which have been shipped before August 31 under contract between shipper and importer entered upon before July 15.

The condition concerning date of contract is stated by Merchants’ Guild to be more burdensome than previous arrangements, and it is very difficult and in some cases impossible to secure the dates of contract of sale, thereby not being able to comply with British regulations, in which case tobacco is held.

Communicate information to Foreign Office and urge liberal treatment so that this tobacco may be released without delay.

Lansing