740.00112 European War 1939/812a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in the United Kingdom (Johnson)
Washington, December
16, 1939—5 p.m.
1626. Having reference to the Order-in-Council of November 28 concerning seizure of goods of German ownership or origin and to the unofficial “Notice to Traders” which has apparently been distributed informally by British authorities in the United States, request from appropriate authorities for the guidance of the Department and [Page 792] American nationals, an official statement of policy and proposed practice in the following respects:
- 1st. What measures are in effect or in contemplation in the direction of assurances, before shipment from German and neutral ports, of non-interference with such consignments?
- 2nd. Under what circumstances and on the basis of what evidence will such assurances be given?
- 3rd. To whom should such evidence be presented, and, generally speaking, what periods of time are likely to follow presentation of such evidence before decisions will be rendered respecting individual shipments?
- 4th. What is the nature of and what value will be given to such advance assurances?
Please expedite reply.
Hull