811.20 (D) Regulations/2432
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador of the Soviet Union (Umansky)
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of May 14, 1941 concerning a cargo of wool and leather purchased in Uruguay and Argentina by the Soviet Economic Agency “Raznoexport” which entered the port of San Francisco and which has been denied an export license.
I have been informed by the appropriate authorities of this Government that the wool and hides in question are required in connection with the national defense program of the United States and that proceedings have already been initiated to have the cargo taken over by this Government under the provision of the Requisition Act of October 10, 1940.53 As you are aware, beginning as of May 6, 1941, merchandise entering the United States in transit, regardless of countries of origin or of destination, is subject to the same degree of export control as similar categories of merchandise originating in the United States.
I may add that the decision of the American authorities not to grant export licenses covering the cargo in question was taken in the interests of national defense and was prompted by no other considerations. It would be regretted if these actions should cause inconvenience to the Soviet Government or to any Soviet commercial agencies.
Accept [etc.]
- 54 Stat. 1090.↩