File No. 600.119/1094a
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page )
292. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:
No. 886. In numerous instances, the United States has furnished to European neutrals out of stocks in this country commodities which, except for the added time required for their transportation, could have been secured in South America and other countries. We are of the opinion that it would be proper for the United States to [Page 989] request the countries who have drawn on the supplies of the United States to render to the United States a ship service which would be equivalent to the saving of tonnage which had been made possible by the action of the War Trade Board in permitting said countries to secure commodities from the United States rather than from more distant sources. Thus, Nordvall1 has asked export licenses for coffee purchased and stored in the United States imported for United States consumption. This we have been unable to grant on account of our limited imports due to lack of tonnage, but with the object of showing our good will and accommodation, we offered to permit the export if Sweden from the ships allocated for her needs would replace the same. With the same object, we have offered Nordvall any other articles here that are of a similar character. It is understood, of course, that no action should be taken which would in any way be inconsistent with the terms or spirit of any outstanding agreements with the neutrals concerned.
We feel that the Allied Governments should adopt the same policy in contingencies of this nature. You are therefore authorized to discuss this matter with the British authorities and make the proper recommendation. Upon receipt of your reply expressing the English view, we will discuss the matter further with you and take it up with the other Allied Governments.
- Swedish commercial delegate.↩