File No. 611.419/47a
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page).
Washington November 11, 1914.
[Telegram]
518. Your November 91 American importers have applied for license to export wool from the United Kingdom in response to announcement from the British Government that they would entertain applications for licenses, but so far have obtained permission. Some American concerns having purchases of wool in British. Isles before war, to which embargo ought not, it seems, to apply; agreed to resale of wool there as an accommodation to their English correspondents, anticipating subsequent permission to export other wool. Wools are urgently needed by American manufacturers.
Department informed that auction sales of Wool in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will soon occur. In view of embargo by colonial governments against export of wool except to United Kingdom, American interests cannot safely purchase in absence of understanding by which they will be able to have wool purchases exported to this country. Department hope that British Government will not pursue policy which may cripple American manufacturers. Moreover, if American manufacturers are not to obtain necessary supply of wools, prices of American woolen goods which British interests may desire will be excessively high, if indeed exportations of woolens from this country must not ultimately cease. Present this matter to British Government at once and press for a definite statement of the exact course to be pursued by British Government respecting American supply of wools from British territories. Department will consider reasonable arrangements to secure against exportation of wool so obtained from United States to countries at war with. Great Britain. Department hopes that applications for licenses now or hereafter presented will be granted is our manufacturers are complaining at unsatisfactory situation,
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