867.77/354: Telegram
The Commissioner at Berlin ( Dresel ) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 22—5:55 p.m.]
1451. From Consul General Coffin:
It was impossible to arrange meeting with Sinclair before he left for New York on December 15, and there was no conference at Paris as proposed. But Archibald Roosevelt, Sinclair’s confidential representative, has come to Berlin to investigate the matter on the ground. He has not, however, been given power to negotiate. On December 14, Robinette was informed by Sinclair that either Requa18 or himself would very soon return from America. Von Stauss is absent in Brussels and nothing is being done now. It is the expectation of Von Stauss that while he is in Brussels, British bankers will discuss the matter with him, but he particularly desires to come to some arrangement with American interests. If Sinclair returns next month it is my belief that he will have an opportunity to negotiate. Upon return of Von Stauss I will telegraph further developments.
- Mark L. Requa, vice president, Sinclair Consol. Oil Corp.↩