800.8820/1206: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Peru (Norweb)
579. Your 397 [697], May 14, 6 p.m. Because of port conditions on the West Coast arising from military considerations and because of congestion of transcontinental rail facilities all lines formerly operating between the West Coast of South America and the West Coast of the United States have been requested to transfer their operations to United States Gulf ports. Both vessels of the Chilean, Line and those operated by Grace and Company are affected.
It is hoped that Finance Minister will understand this change in our original agreement is dictated purely by reasons of war necessity. There is little if any cargo for Peru now on the West Coast since shipments are not authorized to move until booking on a specific vessel has been accomplished. Inasmuch as no bookings have yet taken place for movement to Peru out of West Coast, there should be little if any cargo on hand for Peru in West Coast United States ports. The Department understands also that one of the Peruvian vessels will be permitted to go to the West Coast. For your information this vessel (probably the Perene) can not make convoy speed in the Gulf.
[Page 715]Through a misunderstanding some wool permits have not yet been issued by WPB.4 This is now to be done immediately and the wool will move in Peruvian vessels. Grace and Company received their instructions respecting Peruvian vessels from the War Shipping Administration and should any problems arise in connection therewith you should first discuss the matter with Grace.
- War Production Board.↩