Office of the Historian

File No. 652.119/2050

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

[Telegram]
Paris, November 4, 1918, 9 p.m.
[Received November 5, 4 a.m.]

5706. War Trade Board [from McFadden]:

No. 567. We are advised by Madrid:

(1)
A.E.F. have purchased or contracted for 47,500 Spanish mules. Prior to first November export permits covering 10,000 had been granted by Spanish Government.
(2)
On 2d November Spanish Government authorized export of 25,000 additional and permits covering same will be immediately provided War Trade Board. Total export mules authorized will then be 35,000.
(3)
In addition thereto A.E.F. have purchased in Portugal 15,000 Spanish mules which Spanish Government have authorized transmit by rail through Spain and to France.
(4)
Position is A.E.F. have purchased or contracted for 47,500 mules against which export permits have been secured for 35,000 and the right of transit through Spain for 15,000 additional from Portugal. We are not yet informed as to compensations given by War Trade Board to Spanish Government in consideration thereof.

A.E.F. desire us to express to State Department and War Trade Board their appreciation of your efforts and support in securing export permits covering these animals. McFadden.

Sharp