353.115V13/28: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Minister in Portugal (Dearing)
8. Your 11, February 3. The Department has discussed the situation in reference to the establishment of an alleged monopoly of the refining of crude oil with a representative of the Vacuum Oil Company who has asked us to take the matter up with the Portuguese Government through the Legation at Lisbon.
Although it is not believed that this Government could appropriately object in principle to the establishment of an oil monopoly in Portugal you are authorized to explain orally to the appropriate Portuguese officials that this Government regrets to see monopolies created in other countries, when the result thereof works an injury to American interests established there for many years in good faith under existing laws.
You may, in your discretion, orally inform the British Ambassador of the position of this Government as expressed above. The Department will be pleased to learn what action the British Ambassador is taking in reference to this question and the grounds upon which such action is predicated.