File No. 763.72112/2679
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
4132. Department’s 3543. July 20.1
You are instructed again to urge unofficially but insistently that arrangement existing prior to your 4507, June 29,2 be again put in force so that tobacco may go forward to neutral European countries without restrictions as to ultimate destination. Certain qualities tobacco [Page 521] which in past have largely gone to Germany and Austria were planted in large quantities in the belief, due attitude Great Britain, that it could go forward to Europe without restrictions. Planters and dealers face heavy losses if present restrictions continued. As tobacco-shipping season approaching, prompt action important. As tobacco cannot add to military effectiveness of Germany and Austria and its sale to these countries means expenditure of that much of their wealth, it is not understood what advantage Great Britain gains by imposing restrictions which seem to be injurious only to neutrals. The Department feels that the fact that tobacco is shipped freely by Holland and can be obtained by Germany from Turkey should also be considered.
In forthcoming sessions of Congress there will undoubtedly be strong sentiment manifested for enforcement retaliatory legislation against Great Britain for her trade restrictions. Favorable action on part Great Britain re tobacco shipments will undoubtedly have marked effect in this connection.