875.6363/21
The Secretary of Commerce (Hoover) to the Secretary of State
My Dear Mr. Secretary: I have recently learned from a representative of the Sinclair Oil Company that that company is very much interested in the possibilities of oil development in Albania. It appears that the company is endeavoring to secure concessions to certain oil rights with the full intention of beginning active operations as soon as such concessions are secured but is being greatly hampered in actually getting the Albanian government to agree to any definite form of contract because of the fact that both British and Italian nationals are likewise trying to secure similar concessions. The latter are very much aided by the fact that both England and Italy have recognized the Albanian government and have sent to Albania active governmental representatives who are pushing the claims of their nationals.
I am wondering whether, in view of this situation, it would not be possible for you to give serious consideration to the recognition of Albania, or if actual recognition appears inadvisable, to the possibility of sending some American Government agent into the country who can give a show of interest and support to the claims of the Sinclair Oil Company. This appears to be a clear case of where a little assistance by the government can go far in support of legitimate American enterprise abroad.
Yours faithfully,