File No. 652.119/1102
The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 7, 6.50 a.m.]
1519. War Trade Board [from Chadbourne]:
No. 142. Your 132. Concerning [plan that] vessels not touching American ports proceeding from South American ports, etc., be compelled to call Porto Rico, etc. Before attempting to arrange do you insist on including South America east ports? Reason for asking is the extent of deviation of ships from east coast. Rumored here Spain attempting arrangements to import cotton proceeding from Torreon district in Mexico. If it is true, may have connection with the assembly of coal at Tampico to obtain evasion of our jurisdiction. Smith. Chadbourne.