File No. 300.115/10952a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
Sir: It is desired that you present unofficially a communication to the Foreign Office in the sense of the following:
The Department of State has received through the British Embassy the report from the Foreign Office in reference to the disposition of the applications for the release of merchandise of German and Austrian origin purchased [Page 533] before March 1, 1915, which were presented by Mr. Wyvell in London, and the disappointment is keen that only one of the 30 cases so presented for reconsideration was granted. It was felt that the importance of these applications had been so strongly emphasized that His Majesty’s Government, in view of the direct request of the Department, would not decline to grant permits in all or nearly all of the cases.
Mr. Wyvell did not fail to advise the Department of the unofficial negotiations conducted with Lord Robert Cecil by Mr. Laughlin and himself, and as a result of these negotiations there appeared to be strong reason to expect that a fair proportion of the cases would be favorably dealt with. It was with this thought clearly in mind that the Department expressed its pleasure and appreciation of the action of the British Government in granting reconsideration of the 30 cases.
Among the cases presented are several of peculiar merit, not only because of the strength of evidence upon which they rest, but also the extremities in which the firms find themselves by reason of the failure to secure the goods applied for. The Department is therefore obliged to renew its request that permits be granted in the following [9] cases:. . .
The facts concerning the above cases are clearly set forth in the evidence and memoranda submitted by Mr. Wyvell, and the Department feels a keen and sympathetic interest in each one. Attention is particularly invited to the fact that with respect to each one of the cases no money will be sent to either Germany or Austria should the permits be granted.
The Harrison Glove Company was granted a permit, which action is pleasing to the Department, and there are nine cases mentioned above for which favorable consideration is now asked, and for such favorable consideration the Department will be very appreciative. It is hoped that His Majesty’s Government will see their way clear to granting the request herein made, as an act of grace.
I am [etc.]