840.48/2626: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Wallace) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received February 18—6:22 p.m.]
492. R–331 for Davis. Reference your 296, February 6th, and Treasury R–209.8 Bergmann has just given Logan following letter dated February 16th which Bergmann drafted after receiving instructions his Government.
“Referring to our conversation about liquidation of the German food account in America I have the honor to inform you that the German Government have given instructions to have all and any balance due to Germany from the food account paid over to the Guaranty Trust Company in New York who acts as financial agent of Germany in this matter. The Guaranty Trust Company will receive direct telegraphic orders from Berlin to receipt for these funds which I understand represent an amount of between 15 and 20 million dollars. Germany undertakes to use these funds for purchases of food stuffs in America already made or still to be made. You would oblige me by advising the Director General of Relief, Mr. Herbert Hoover, of the foregoing cable. (Signed) C. Bergmann, Under Secretary of State.”
Bergmann’s letter being forwarded by mail direct to Hoover’s New York office. Is it satisfactory? Rathbone.