811.20 Defense (M)/119: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in France (Murphy)

119. Department’s 108, July 18, 6 p.m. The following from American Consul, Saigon, dated July 19:

“Reference is made to Reed’s telegram July 18, 7 p.m. relating to ore. French naval authorities at Saigon have just informed me that they have received instructions from French Admiralty to release to the Soviet authorities the wolfram and antimony unloaded from Selenga upon evidence of purchase by Soviet Government; Admiralty merely takes the position that cargo discharged from Soviet ship on advice of contraband committee could not be object of sales transaction.”

Welles