Office of the Historian

800.6354/161: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Kennedy) to the Secretary of State

London, October 26, 1939—6 p.m.
[Received October 26—3:13 p.m.]

2176. Your 1294, October 25, 6 p.m. was most helpful as the Colonial Office’s figures were for departures from the Middle East. Consequently I again strongly pressed the point respecting the experience of our consumers and asked for an explanation. I had previously informally inquired whether the Colonial Office or the Tin Committee had any information about the possible action of vested interests through pools or otherwise to hold up supplies in the hope of an increased maximum price. I again raised this question.

The Colonial Office assures me that these and other relevant matters will be given every consideration at tomorrow’s meeting.

Kennedy