The Secretary of State to the Consul General at London (Skinner)

No. 1507

Sir: The Department has received your despatch No. 2983 of October 27, 1916, with reference to the shortage of needles in the United States.

The Department has noted your statement that needles of German origin have been imported without much difficulty for British trade since the beginning of the war and instructs you to make a discreet investigation and report to the Department such facts as you may be able to ascertain in substantiation of this statement.

I am [etc.]

For the Secretary of State:
William Phillips