File No. 600.119/1681d
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain ( Laughlin)
2689. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:
No. 1577. Referring Department’s 2533, October 31, 4 p.m., our 1533. It is felt by some of the authorities here that Great Britain may possibly find difficulty in supplying to the River Plate district the quantities of coal provided in the arrangement to be supplied by her. It should be clearly understood that the proposed arrangement is of no avail whatsoever unless it constitutes an unequivocal and binding obligation upon Great Britain to furnish and carry to the River Plate district the amounts of coal provided for in the arrangement; and in any discussions upon this matter you should take occasion to give due emphasis to this understanding.