File No. 763.72/4656
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 15, 9 p.m.]
6208. Your 4814 May 8 [10], 8 p.m. British Government informs me it has received same inquiry through Spring Rice to which it has replied that it supposes our Government understands there has been no formal interruption of trade, although the statutory list has led to a great diminution of trade with Liberia.
It is added that as soon as German subjects are removed, which is what Liberians earnestly desire, the resumption of normal trade will be allowed, but that British Government must retain: (1) a statutory list of 72 names of firms and individuals of which 7 are Spanish, 10 Liberians, and the rest Germans; (2) a published white list of firms and individuals in Liberia to whom alone shipments from the United Kingdom may be consigned; (3) certificates of interest will be required to cover shipments from Liberia to Great Britain and British possessions.