CO129-452 - Others & Individuals - 1918 — Page 272

for: regarding the F.TTD. letta (33583); a say

Stat

mapy of this letter (to for is

beng mistructed I tel mi para 4 oftheir letter (31).

ber's

1

2 tel. to for

letter, exefraining the position generally.

9.2.0.

2/1/19

Oft conson

Jaren 4 of this

FR

alonce

Mr. Cowell

FTD. have almost certainly overlooked.

ny further communication on subject, plasse quote

214664/45

| address-

The Controller,

Foreign Trade Department.

Telephona: Gerrard 8610.

268

REIGN TRADE DEPARTMENT,

BRIDGEWATER HOUSE,

ST. JAMES'S,

S.W.1.

December 31918.

RECS

REGE I JAN 19

sir,

copin

I am directed by Mr Secretary Balfour to state, for the information of Mr Secretary Long, that a telegram has been received from His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Washington to the effect that the United States War Trade Board has been informed that Messrs John C.Siegfried & Company of San Francisco, have received letters from customers in Hong Kong stating that His Majesty's Government will not allow any dealings with them,

The War Trade Board believes that Messrs Siegfried are trustworthy and that some misunderstanding has arisen, the Board therefore asks that some measures may be taken in order that the situation may be corrected.

In these circumstances Mr Balfour would be glad if you would ascertain, by telegraph, in view of the present attitude of suspicion among United States Officials towards British Commercial policy, whether the alleged receipt of these letters is due to any restrictions imposed by the Authorities at Hong Kong.

I am also to request that instructions may be given that any restrictions, based on the ground of enemy nationality or asso- ciation of firas in United States territory, be removed if any such restrictions exist.

an

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient, húmble Servant,

Fellist

frere swo

was based o

What the Col. Govt. dia

suggestion of the C.C. at New

Youk farsed it Doubther

alo

they

we should

not

which F.T.D. fresumably endorsed our to without comment (23583/18)

armistice has alterest the fonition and mout realise

but would

attitude

without making sure that F.F.D. know what they are

about

I submit alternative off to

!afi

Cust

alove

61.19

The Under Secretary of State,

Colonial Office,

WHITEHALL,S.W.1

for the Controller.