Nov. 1, 1917 From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) To the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Brazil's desire to adopt U.S. policies regarding enemy banks, property, etc. Instructions to make repre 341 341 sentations regarding the reported movement of German funds from South America to Spain. Summary of portion of Trading with Enemy Act pertaining to enemy property, banks, etc. Encloses summary of British instructions to Minister, Rio de Janeiro, to recommend to Brazil certain methods for financial blockade of the enemy. Recommendations that Brazil be requested to enforce strictly the financial blockade of the enemy. Suggested U.S. representations to Brazil regarding its control of credit operations to prevent benefit to the enemy. German banks and business houses taken over by Brazil. - Inquiry as to U.S. methods of procedure. U.S. assurance of withdrawal of statutory list upon elimination of German interests in Brazil. British attitude. Proposed joint note to Brazil: withdrawal of black lists conditional upon making effective certain measures against German concerns and banks. Method of procedure in taking over enemy business houses in the United States. Suggested change in proposed joint note to Brazil. Recommendations. Quotation from draft of joint note to Brazil. Recommendations. Instructions to take no action regarding joint note to Brazil, pending conference with Brazilian Ambassador at Washington. Disapproval of British plan for taking over German banks in Brazil. Suggestions. British Embassy informed of U.S. disapproval of British proposed action regarding liquidation of German banks in Brazil. 342 343 345 345 346 346 347 348 349 349 350 351 352 735 Aug. 6 From the Minister in Cuban President empowered 358 Sept. 20 to issue adequate regulations 359 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND HAITI Apr. 5, To the Secretary of Opinion on application of 1918 the Navy Enemy Trading Act to Do- Aug. 3 To the Secretary of Status of Ħaiti and Dominican the Navy Haiti (tel.) Aug. 3 To the Minister in German firms reported buying 359 361 Republic in regard to imports 362 and storing commodities in measures. Aug. 7 From the Minister Custodianship of alien properties offered to U.S. citizen, D. B. Hodgsdon. Advice as to acceptance requested. No objection to Hodgsdon's appointment as custodian. Hodgsdon accepts appointment; certain railway and power companies are placed in his custody. Importance of Guatemala's enacting measures similar to Enemy Trading Act. Services of W.T.B. adviser offered. Measures taken under Presidential decree for sequestration of four German properties. Instructions to convey to Guatemala U.S. attitude regarding transfer of German properties and disposition of proceeds. Instructions to seek interview with President on disposition of German-owned property and to offer services of U.S. agent. Instructions to seek of President date when Guatemala will begin liquidation of enemy property and to urge acceptance of aid of U.S. agent. President's attitude toward liquidation of German property; acceptance of services of U.Š. agent. 365 365 365 366 366 366 367 368 369 W.T.B. urged to grant license for much-needed supplies for Empresa Electrica de Guatemala. 370 370 From the Minister in Guatemala (tel.) When authority is given to sell German property, W.T.B. will license supplies for Empresa Electrica de Guatemala. Authority to sell German property in Guatemala will be given in a few days. 370 Oct. 15, Dec. 21, [Rec'd Dec. 22] Dec. 20, 1917 Dec. 24] [Rec'd Honduras (tel.) From the Minister From the Minister Inquiries authorized by Pacific 372 In 373 373 Honduras will permit U.S. firm From W. R. Grace Proposed steamship terminal Dec. 29, To the Minister in 374 374 375 375 376 377 III. ENEMY PROPERTY-Continued No. Date From and to whom Subject Quotes Honduran note proposing Government seizure and operation of German lighters in port of Amapala. Comments. Instructions to present to President U.S. plans for Pacific port; Pacific Mail's plan to send lighters to Amapala; U.S. regret for hardships imposed by enforcement of Trading with Enemy Act; and Government seizure and operation of enemy-owned lighters meet U.S. requirements. Quotes Pacific Mail telegram on plan to furnish lighters for steamer service and to survey new port. Instructions. Quotes Honduran note, Jan. 27, guaranteeing satisfactory settlement of Amapala situation. Resumption of steamer service recommended. Honduran guaranties satisfactory; resumption of traffic to Amapala through agent of Pacific Mail is approved. Situation at Amapala appears satisfactory. Lighter service to be handled later by Commercial Export Co. Representations made to President, who has forbidden transportation of freight between Amapala and San Lorenzo except by National Agency. Necessity no longer exists for utilizing German-owned lighters. Question of German taint now before W.T.B. The President states traffic between Amapala and San Lorenzo will be thrown open to all if W.T.B. decision is favorable. Instructions to make representations to President regarding operation of lighter service by National Agency. President denies German interest in National Agency, intimating change of manager if necessary. U.S. survey around Sacate Grande contemplated. Honduran permit requested for survey and storage facilities for gasoline. Page 378 380 381 382 384 384 385 386 386 387 388 389 |