File No. 600.119/420a

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page)2

[Circular telegram]

Department’s circular October 6, 6 p.m.3 In view of distorted statements appearing in despatches from neutral countries, it seems desirable that publicity be given to policy of this Government in regard to embargo in trade to neutral nations.

On July 24 the Exports Council handed an identical note to the representatives here of the Scandinavian countries and Holland outlining the policy which the United States had decided to pursue in regard to the assistance it was prepared to lend these northern neutral countries in supplying them with the commodities which they needed [Page 975] for the continuance of their national life and usual pursuits.1 This note requested information from these countries as to their production, consumption and requirements of all commodities and particularly of foodstuffs set out in the form of protein, fats and carbohydrates. The note expressed the vital interest of the United States in the aid which these countries would furnish to Germany and her allies. The United States gave warning that, pending a mutual arrangement as to furnishing supplies to any of these countries or lending assistance in helping them to obtain supplies for themselves, the United States would consider that any exports which any of these countries might make to the Central Empires would be considered as in reduction of the amount of foodstuffs or other commodities which would be supplied to the country in question for its own sustenance and industry.

If these countries continue to send aid to Germany and her allies it would hardly be possible to expect the United States to help them in securing supplies.

Notwithstanding the above warning some of these countries have continued to send large quantities of vital supplies to the Central Empires and despite repeated requests little information has been forthcoming as to what these countries need for the sustenance of their own people.

The War Trade Board just established by Executive order proposes to continue the embargo policy which has been instituted and to deny export licenses to any of these neutral countries so long as denied the information which has been requested and so long as these countries continue to give aid to Germany and her allies not only directly but also indirectly, such as converting fodder into dairy products, the use of oil for the operation of fishing craft, using lubricating oil in the manufacturing establishments working for German interests, in fact, for all the indirect assistance, which is even more effective against the Allies than if these commodities had been sent directly to Germany since the finished products are delivered to the Germans instead of the raw materials which they are to be manufactured or converted into. It is unreasonable to expect that our farmers shall raise foodstuffs and our people deny themselves the quantities they desire to consume in order that a surplus may be sent to the northern neutrals to render easier for them the help which they are extending to our enemies.

The policy of this Government is in no way inspired by a desire to hamper or interfere with the normal fife of neutrals. On the contrary we are willing to help these neutrals even at a sacrifice to ourselves in allowing export to them of commodities we can ill afford to spare, but [Page 976] in return for this friendly service we must demand some guarantee that these supplies will not be turned against us to kill our sons and prolong the war.

The welfare of the northern neutrals is in their own hands.

Lansing
  1. The same, on the same date, to the Ambassador in Spain, and the Ministers in Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
  2. Ante, p. 960.
  3. Ante, p. 908.