611.42251/162: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Bingham)
117. Department’s telegram 16, January 19, 1 p.m.,6 and your despatch 787, April 6. We feel that much depends on the interpretation to be given by the British customs authorities to their reply to our proposals if American exporters are to secure any relief from the present regulations. At a recent meeting between officials of the Department and representatives of the interested concerns it was decided that a more effective arrangement might be obtained by direct consultation between the representatives of the American grain exporters and the competent British officials. Accordingly, Robert M. Morgan, President of the North American Grain Export Association, and Walter P. Hedden, Chief, Bureau of Commerce, New York Port Authority, will arrive in England May 23. They will call on you the following day and will appreciate your making appointments for them with the appropriate British officials for Thursday May 25 with whom they will discuss the matter fully in the hope that some arrangement can be reached whereby the British regulations may be observed and at the same time American interests be safeguarded. Please render them any appropriate assistance.
We have followed with great concern the British consideration of our proposals as we feel that it is both unwise and unfair in the present period of economic stress to place hampering restrictions on a trade which has developed for many years along the most economic lines. The point of origin of the grain can be amply guaranteed under the present method of shipping and it would seem shortsighted for the British authorities to insist on a system which is uneconomic for producers, shippers and consumers alike, particularly in view of the unfavorable reaction here involving the danger of retaliatory legislation.
- Not printed.↩