600.119/1807: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Davis)
3580. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]: No. 1899. Embassy’s 4599, December 13, your 2088. We note that you will advise us on December 17 of proposed increase of Northern Neutral cotton ration. With reference to French view that the French and Belgian textile industries need protection, it is not our intention to confine the increase of the cotton ration to raw cotton. We are disposed to allow an unlimited ration of manufactured cotton to all neutral countries. Please refer again to Department’s 3354, December 10, 2 p.m. our 1815. You have not replied generally to the suggestions set forth therein for increasing the rations of all commodities for the neutral countries of Europe to an extent sufficient to meet the economic and industrial needs of those countries. Is it not possible for you to take this matter up with the A.B.C. without delay? We are in receipt of Embassy’s 4600, December 13, your 2089, Embassy’s 4613, December 14, your 2093, approving discontinuance X cable system. We are replying thereto in separate cablegram.