281. Memorandum From the Deputy Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs (Prochnow) to the Counselor of the Department of State (MacArthur)1
SUBJECT
- Shipments to the Arab Countries
I have discussed with Harold McClellan, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Affairs, the subject of Mr. Rountree’s memorandum to you of April 4.2 Mr. McClellan will inform the Secretary of Commerce3 of our discussion.
Commerce is holding up a number of shipments to the Arab countries. This afternoon Mr. McClellan informed me that about 200 shipments, involving approximately $8 to $10 million, are being held up. Commerce would like to discuss with someone from this Department the possible release of marginal items which could be exported. I am having someone from E go over to Commerce tomorrow to determine the character of the merchandise in these shipments to see whether it would be desirable to release at least some of them. Any suggestions you have on this matter would be appreciated.
I have also discussed with True D. Morse, Under Secretary of Agriculture, the subject of the memorandum of April 4. Agriculture will follow the suggestions in the memorandum. In addition, Mr. Morse said that Agriculture would try to “drag its feet” in connection with any shipments under agreements already concluded.
- Source: Department of State, Central Files, 786.56/4–1256. Secret.↩
- Document 239.↩
- Sinclair Weeks.↩