867N.5151/8: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Jerusalem (Steger)
Your 9, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. The Department has not made representations based on grounds of international law concerning the British defense (finance) regulations. The American Embassy has discussed practical aspects of the matter with the British Treasury, and the British Government has granted very comprehensive exemptions in favor of American nationals from the requirements of the regulations, and has authorized the American Embassy to inform American citizens, without publication, of these exemptions.
Please inform the Palestine Treasurer of this and suggest that he delay action enforcing the regulations with respect to American nationals until he shall have communicated with the British authorities on the matter.
The Department is informing the American Embassy at London and asking it to discuss the matter with the British authorities and to endeavor to have the latter send instructions to Palestine relieving American citizens, so far as possible, from the onerous requirements of the regulations.