800.6354/180: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy)
1525. Your 2472, November 28, 5 p.m.93 In response to Campbell’s queries regarding American tin consumption, Todd points out that actual figures are available indicating that tin plate manufacturers will consume during the last half of this year, including two pre-war months, approximately twice the quantity of tin used during the last half of last year, and that the actual figures of automobile production this year have been: August, 103,343; September, 132,672; October, 323,017 (which may be compared with total factory sales during the same period last year of 383,000).
Todd reiterates that tin is not available in quantities sufficient to replace current consumption and that as a result consumers’ holdings are declining. He is informed that only 4,024 tons of tin was shipped from the Straits to the United States during the period November 1–27.
Quite aside from the concern of the industry, this Government must take an active interest in this situation because of the strategic importance of the metal and the very low level of supplies within the country. If Todd’s information as to the amount of tin available in the Straits and being shipped to the United States is incorrect, we should like to be informed. If it is a fact that offerings in the Straits and shipments are far below normal and also below the reported rate of production of smelters, then this Government would appreciate an explanation as to what is holding up supplies and an indication of what action can be taken to remedy the situation.
It will be appreciated if the information given above and the inquiry suggested can be brought to the attention of the British Government before the International Tin Committee meets December 1.