800.8810/1200
The Secretary of
State to the Consul at Berlin (Geist)
Washington, August 24, 1934.
Sir: There is enclosed a copy of a letter
of August 16, 1934, together with a copy of its enclosure,32 received
from the Department of Commerce, United States Shipping Board
Bureau, Washington, concerning the suspected action of the German
authorities in diverting passenger trade to German vessels through
making available German marks at a discount.
You are requested to submit a report on the situation and to render
all appropriate assistance to the representatives in Germany of
American shipping interests.
Very truly yours,
For the Secretary of State:
R.
Walton Moore
[Enclosure]
The Acting Chief of the Division of
Regulation of the United States Shipping Board Bureau of the
Department of Commerce (Brown) to the Assistant Economic Adviser (Livesey)
Washington, August 16,
1934.
Dear Sir: Referring to the informal
conference which Mr. Lansdale of this division recently had with
you in regard to an apparent discrimination against American
flag vessels in German ports presented to us in a letter from
the United States Lines dated July 25, 1934:
From the information contained in said letter, copy of which is
enclosed, it appears that passengers from Germany to the United
States are induced to use German vessels because certain classes
of German marks selling at considerable discount may not be used
to purchase transportation on other than German vessels which,
if true, would operate to the disadvantage of American steamship
interests doing business in Germany.
It is understood that with this informal presentation of the
matter you will place it in the proper channel for investigation
and advise us upon receipt of a report thereon.
Thanking you for your cooperation, I am
Yours very truly,
