611.573 Whale Oil/18

Memorandum by the Secretary of State

The Norwegian Minister called and very earnestly urged sustained interest in support of the Tonry Bill in the House of Representatives to repeal the duty on whale oil. I stated that Dr. Sayre, Dr. Grady, [Page 625] myself and others in the Department had steadily brought every possible influence to bear in support of this measure; that we were of course extremely anxious for its enactment. I added that I would closely check on the situation to date and take any further steps not already taken to facilitate the passage of the measure. The Minister then stated that Congressman Samuel Hill, Chairman of the sub-Committee of the Ways and Means Committee which has this bill in charge, was reported on yesterday to have said that there was enough sentiment probably to pass the bill through the Committee if somebody would bring up the matter and emphasize and urge such action. I stated I would be more than glad to do anything possible in this line without delay.

C[ordell] H[ull]