641.116/2671: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy)
755. Your 1019 April 22 has been greatly appreciated. The Board of Trade has apparently misunderstood the Department’s motive in supporting this single application for an import license. Our representations did not purport to secure for the American subsidiary an advantage over the British companies, but rather to remedy the disadvantage it suffers relative to British companies in the matter of supply position. That is all we ask in this particular case and we are indifferent as to whether the tobacco is imported on credit (the [Page 115] company’s own suggestion) or on a license involving an exchange transaction. Department’s Instruction 1344, April 18,55 contains statement by the company indicating aggravation of its stock shortage. Please press the matter along the foregoing lines.
- Not printed.↩