File No. 652.119/369a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Sharp )
2971. For Colonel Dawes:
Please advise at once whether you have been granted licenses for exports of supplies from Spain. The embargo upon exports from this country to Spain is becoming embarrassing and we desire to remove same unless it is absolutely necessary for your purpose.
Advise also progress made in organization of purchasing committee recommended by the Allied Conference in Paris.
The following cable just sent to Ambassador Willard:1
Your cable December 12 recommending granting of licenses for certain exports. McCormick does not understand this request in view of your recommendation to him to withhold licenses for exports until satisfactory arrangements have been made for the purchase of materials from Spain for Allied account in France. Please advise us whether such purchases are being made and Spain permitting their export. It is becoming embarrassing here to withhold licenses for exports from this country in accordance with arrangements made with McCormick, and this plan will be discontinued at once unless it is absolutely necessary to secure supplies for ourselves and Allies in France.
In view of the great importance of our securing Spanish ship tonnage would it be advisable to open negotiations for agreement between Spain and Allies covering tonnage question, as well as purchase of supplies. If this policy determined upon is it wise for us to continue as at present along the lines agreed upon by McCormick and yourself in Paris.
- Telegram No. 796 of Dec. 21, 5 p.m. (File No. 652.119/306.)↩