300.115(39)/36: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul General at Hamburg (Keblinger)
122. Your 178 and Embassy’s 1876, October 28.7 Department discontinued telegraphing substance of affidavits because of your no. 167, October 18, stating that nothing short of this Government’s guarantees would suffice. Your 174 of October 25 was understood as indicating that a satisfactory compromise procedure had been agreed upon. Numerous purchasers in various parts of the United States were thereupon promptly advised by telegraph to follow that procedure, presenting their contracts to German consuls. Legations at Helsinki and Riga were also advised accordingly. Much time would now be lost if that procedure were again to be changed. It is suggested therefore that in line with your no. 174 of October 25 you arrange to have German consuls appropriately instructed by cable at once if this has not already been done. Meanwhile Ambassador Kennedy has advised as follows:8
“Ministry of Economic Warfare states that under existing practice there will be no interference with the cargo of these Finnish vessels destined to the United States except that they will probably be boarded for identification.
The Ministry took occasion to reiterate that they are not now interfering with any exports from Germany to the United States whether direct or in transit to the United States from other neutral countries through Germany.”
Repeat to Embassy, Berlin and Legation, Riga.