763.72112/12314a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Commission to Negotiate Peace
2546. Your [our] 2499 July 3, 8 p.m.
Department announced today that all restrictions in regard to trade with Germany would be immediately removed and blanket license given permitting such trade, an exception however being made in regard to dyes, potash and chemicals. The President is surprised at the suggestion that the British and French intend to maintain any control in the nature of restrictions. He was very positive that all the Allied Governments and the United States were committed to remove all restrictions as soon as Germany ratified and the continuation of restrictions would lay the Governments making the restrictions open to the charge of bad faith and would involve the honor of the United States, as this Government is a party to the treaty which assured free, unrestricted trade.
The President wished me to convey his views to you so his position could be made clear in case there was any attempt to continue restrictions.