File No. 763.72112/5126

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Sharp )

[Telegram]

2745. Your 2664, September 18 [2602, October 15]1 Act of Congress approved October 6 makes it unlawful for any person in the United States, except with license granted by authority of the President “to trade or attempt to trade either directly or indirectly, with, to or from, or for, or on account of, or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, any other person, with knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that such other person is an enemy or ally of enemy, or is conducting or taking part in such trade, directly or indirectly, for, or on account of, or on behalf of, or for the benefit of, an enemy or ally of enemy.” By proclamation of October 12,2 President gives to War Trade Board authority to administer this provision of law. Grubnau & Son state senior member of company has lived forty-four years in the United States and has been American citizen thirty-four years, and that other members of concern are all native Americans.

Bring these facts to attention French Government and suggest that in view thereof restrictive measures referred to seem unnecessary and perhaps derogatory to commercial interests of both countries. Copies of law and proclamation being mailed you.

Lansing
  1. Ante, p. 974.
  2. Executive order of Oct. 12, ante, p. 963.