611.629Ruhr/13: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Herrick)
161. Your no. 201, April 16, 6 p.m. The proposal made by the Foreign Office does not meet the objections which have been raised by the Department in its previous telegrams for in each instance active intervention by American diplomatic representatives is still required. In addition the fact remains that if American buyers must attend to a part of the necessary formalities at an appreciable distance from the licensing offices, the additional expense entailed, the delay and confusion involved would be prejudicial to their interests in comparison with the nationals of more favored nations who may complete all formalities in the occupied territory.
For this reason the Department requests you to bring these considerations before the Foreign Office again and to urge the modification of the regulations so as to permit American buyers to make direct application for export licenses, with the assistance of the local American consular representatives.
With reference to the correction of dates stated in your telegram, the French Embassy informed the Department, presumably under instructions from the Foreign Office, that the dates in question for American buyers are February 10 and May 10. Obtain confirmation from the Foreign Office.