File No. 763.72112/2596a
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
3385. In view of great dissatisfaction among importers who feel that they or Department should have attorney in London to personally explain to Foreign Office certain applications for assurances of non-interference with goods of German or Austrian origin filed prior to last November at British Embassy through Foreign Trade Adviser’s office, and though approved by both, have been, rejected by Foreign Office, Department plans to send to London Manton M. Wyvell of Foreign Trade Adviser’s office, who has been handling such cases with British Embassy. No new cases will be taken up and only a limited number of those already presented and refused or canceled for apparently insufficient reasons will be discussed. Stabler sees advisability and suggests Wyvell and Gibson might cooperate in presenting to Tafton or committee. British Embassy also approves and is also cabling as pressure is very great and causing much embarrassment to Department. Wyvell is not being sent with any view except that being familiar with involved legal points he [Page 528] should be of assistance to Embassy and Foreign Office in getting reconsideration of limited number, and importers have been urging that he personally be sent. Department presumes Foreign Office will acquiesce: Reply promptly.