File No. 763.72112/10627
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 2, 11.43 a.m.]
5646. War Trade Board [from McFadden]:
No. 552. 1. Since, as a result of recent military events, certain portions of Belgium have been freed, and direct trade intercourse has been restored, especially with Holland, it is suggested by the French Government that the Belgian Government be requested by the Associated Governments (1) to adopt the enemy trade lists of the Associated Governments for the various neutral countries, especially for Holland and Scandinavian countries, and (2) to formulate the necessary programme of trade control, such as censorship, licensing of commodities, etc., in order to render the blockade of the Central [Page 1076] Powers effective. French are sending a communication to the Belgian Government in this sense and suggest that the United States send a similar communication. French are advising their representatives in London and Washington of the above.
2. In order to make the cooperation of the Belgian Government more complete, we suggest for your consideration, and in agreement with the French, that Belgium might also be asked to appoint delegates to the Inter-Allied Black Listing Committee and the Enemy Trade License Conference in Washington, London, and Paris. Please instruct what steps, if any, you desire us to take in requesting the Belgian Legation, Paris, to appoint a delegate for Paris conferences, and inform us what action, if any, you may take in the premises.
We are communicating this telegram to Frothingham, London, who will advise you of British viewpoint on both paragraphs 1 and 2, on which we have no information. McFadden.