File No. 763.72112/10727a suppl.
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Great Britain ( Laughlin)
2883. For Sheldon [from War Trade Board]:
No. 1643. Frothingham. Supplementing Department’s 2550, our 1538, October 31, 7 p.m., Embassy’s 3618, your 1846, November 11. In our view licenses are allowed at discretion as exceptions to general rule of prohibition because of the special circumstances of each particular case. Submission of copies of permissions after allowance is not helpful because not practicable to deduce therefrom any general rule to govern exceptional cases. Desirable that there be harmony of action secured through conference as cases arise rather than protest after action taken.
Your suggestion respecting imports from northern neutrals corresponds to present practice.