600.119/1900: Telegram
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp ) to the Acting Secretary of State
Paris
, December 23, 1918—6 p.m.
[Received 10:28 p.m.]
[Received 10:28 p.m.]
6439. War Trade Board [from Taylor]: No. 718. Attention White. Every day makes clearer five facts with reference to five neutral nations around Central Powers.
- 1.
- Restriction in foodstuff and manufactured goods has no military importance except to uphold theory that armistice is war.
- 2.
- Restriction in foodstuff and manufactured goods except for conservation for Inter-Allied needs and relief is a political injury to Associated Nations.
- 3.
- Such restriction is also an economic injury to all nations who have an exportable surplus and no injury to Allies who have no exportable surplus.
- 4.
- France and Belgium require consideration for devastated areas and Allies deserve protection against neutrals jumping into world markets with manufactured goods before Allies can recover from war industries and demobilization.
- 5.
- Tonnage scarcity is rapidly becoming a fiction and tonnage control unnecessary if not indeed injurious from standpoint of charter rates and efficiency.
Obviously these situations make Board more free except for number 4. Protection of devastated areas against Teutonic competition will be provided at peace conference. Protection against five neutral nations we must aid through control of raw materials. All commodities should be classified into two groups under 4 and treated accordingly. Taylor.
Sharp