File No. 300.115/11018
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
Sir: With reference to your despatch No. 4706 of September 6 1916, and previous correspondence in regard to the urgent need of knitting needles of German origin for the benefit of American industries, there is enclosed a copy of a letter dated October 25, 1916 from Mr. Robert J. Keegan, together with the original enclosures thereto, indicating the exact quantities and kinds of knitting needles which it is desired to obtain.1
Following the receipt of your despatch of September 6, 1916 enclosing a note from the Foreign Office pointing to the possibilities of manufacturers in Great Britain being able to supply knitting needles to this country, the Department conducted an investigation through the American Consul General at London as to the supplies of knitting needles in that country and the possibility of the United States obtaining the needles required here from English manufacturers or dealers. As you will see by consulting the despatches forwarded by the American Consul General at London to the Department on this subject, there is no possibility of English firms being able to supply the demands of this country in the immediate or even in the near future.
You are, therefore, instructed to present to the Foreign Office the exhibits forwarded with this instruction, urging the importance of immediate and favorable action in order to relieve the very pressing need for needles of this character in the United States.
I am [etc.]
- Not printed.↩