867n.156/11
The Consul at Jerusalem ( Heizer ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 31.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to a despatch from this office No. 1814 dated July 24, 1928, and also to a despatch No. 1872 dated October 20, 1928, concerning the intention of the Government of Palestine to construct a harbor at Haifa in the near future. Reference was also made to the fact that an attempt had been made to shut out all but British firms in connection with the contract for the construction of the harbor.
Recently there has appeared in the Palestine Bulletin, published in Jerusalem, a few lines to the effect that owing to a protest made by the Italian Government against the manner in which the contract was given out, preventing Italian firms from making bids, the commencement of construction work on the harbor had been postponed.
In conversation today with Mr. Giardini, the Italian Consul in charge, I learned that the Italian Government had made a strong protest to the Foreign Office in London against the manner which [Page 67] the Government had employed in securing bids for the construction work at Haifa, shutting out effectually any participation by Italian firms.
He stated also that the French Authorities had protested against the construction of a harbor at Haifa, so near the Syrian frontier, which could be used as a naval base. He seems to think, however, that the French opposition to the harbor was made with the idea of having something in hand to trade in case of the projected oil line from Mosul to the Mediterranean. If for instance the British would agree to have the oil line brought to Alexandretta or some Syrian Port instead of to Haifa the French might withdraw their opposition to the so called naval port at Haifa.
Apparently the contract for the construction of a harbor at Haifa has been effectually held up for the present. In case there are any American firms that would like to make a bid for this construction work it might be well for them to take the matter up with the Colonial Office through the proper American Authorities in London.
The following firms seem to have been interested in the proposition and possibly might wish to follow the matter up if advised that there had been a delay in awarding the contract.
- Messrs. Frederic Snare Corporation,
114 Liberty Street,
New York City. - Messrs. Ulen and Company,
120 Broadway,
New York City. - Messrs. Fox Brothers and Company Incorporated,
33 Rector Street,
New York City.
I have [etc.]