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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

Edward N. Hurley, Chairman, United States Shipping Board United States Shipping Board to Commander Paul Foley

Chronological Copy.                              File No.

Cablegram Received February <4, 1918> [08304]    ROC

Origin Opnav Washington.                    Serial No. 2701

C-1       5 Feb.

<For Comdr. Foley.>

     25 D.

Simsadus.

2701. Please advise Anglo Directors that Petroleum Committee are not in favor of proposal that British Government should purchase all pool produce for United Kingdom distribution. While supply should be taken from nearest source of supply individual companies should be allowed to make purchases from their regular suppliers. In view of Government’s interest in Anglo Persian and other British companies the natural disposition will be to favor their own companies including shell Royal Dutch. American suppliers do not object to Great Britain purchasing in the lowest market but are not willing to sacrifice their business in meeting demand of British for tonnage to accomplish this when American suppliers are nearest source and stand ready to furnish supply at fair and equitable price. We consider previous pool board arrangement preferable if worked out on basis of obtaining maximum efficiency transportation by effecting shipments from nearest source. Signed Hurley. 16004.

Benson.1              

Source Note: Cy, DNA, RG 45, Entry 517B.

Footnote 1: Adm. William S. Benson, Chief of Naval Operations.

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