862.5151/1364: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Germany (Dodd)
121. Hamburg Manager United States Lines informs New York Office that under decrees published September 25 and effective October [Page 448] 1st, German consignees may pay to foreign steamship lines collect charges for east bound freight either in marks or other currency, only after securing authority from the German Currency Control Board, such sums to be deducted from amounts authorized for import transactions, whereas German lines may be paid without such authority or deduction. The Hamburg Manager adds that you have received confirmation of this interpretation of the German law.
Since such a system appears on its face to be discriminatory against foreign shipping interests you are requested to take up the matter with the appropriate German authorities with a view to obtaining for American shipping interests full parity of treatment with German lines.
Please telegraph results and any pertinent observations or recommendations.38