File No. 600.119/432

The French Ambassador ( Jusserand) to the Secretary of State

[Translation]

Mr. Secretary of State: I have the honor to inform Your Excellency that my Government has just given its approval to the measures taken by the English Government with a view to cooperating in the embargo on exports to the northern countries.

An explanatory note stating the nature of those measures and the reasons for our adhesion has been drawn up in this connection and published. Your Excellency will find a copy herewith.

Be pleased to accept [etc.]

Jusserand
[Enclosure—Translation]

Explanatory Note of the French Government, Regarding the Embargo on Exports to the Northern Neutral Countries

The English Government, with a view to doing away with indirect revictualing of the enemy, has suspended licenses for exports to the northern countries and has given notice that articles which could heretofore be freely exported could no longer be so exported without derogation. This is commonly called embargo for short, though it is merely a decision of principle and in some cases a mere warning. The Undersecretary of Blockade has taken, in concert with our Allies, every measure intended to forewarn the French authorities concerned and likewise the export trade. Licenses are accordingly suspended in every case where transit is actually stopped by the English decision.

This is the cooperation which has just received the French Government’s approval.