875.6363/29
The Sinclair Exploration Company to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received September 20.]
Sir: We are in receipt of advices from our representative in Tirana, Albania, that our endeavors to obtain the grant of an oil concession from this Government are being severely handicapped by opposition from various foreign interests and in particular by the activities of the Shell and Anglo–Persian Oil Companies.
In view of the importance to the United States of American control of foreign oil supplies, we understand the policy of the State Department is to offer encouragement to reputable American Companies competing against foreign interests for an oil concession under circumstances as stated above.
It would be of material assistance, and greatly appreciated by us, if the State Department would instruct the American Minister in Tirana to give us the fullest support which it permits its representatives to give in such cases.
We have [etc.]
By