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James Burness & Sons
138, Leadenhall Street

London, 25th April 1918
Messrs Worms & Co. - Paris

Dear Sirs,
A Meeting of the Delegates from the chambers of commerce at the different ports took place here yesterday to consider counsel's opinion regarding the Coal Controller's action in connection with the l/3rd brokerage when it was considered that the opinion was a very strong one indeed and Mr. Ingledew, the Cardiff Solicitor, said the Coal Controller could not legally obtain the brokerage without an Act of Parliament. A resolution was passed therefore that in view of the Counsel's opinion it is desirable that legal proceedings be taken to protect the interests of exporters and that the exporters in each district be asked to confirm the Committee's resolution and agree to provide funds to meet the costs of such action pro rata to their exports during 1917.
Meetings are to be called at the different ports to put this before their members and it is thought prudent not to disclose the Counsel's opinion at present but to tell the meetings that in the opinion of the sub-committee the action suggested should be proceeded with. Meantime any payments made to be continued under reserve.
Mr. Ingledew is also of opinion that in the slip attached to
the applications for licences it was perhaps advisable to agree that the directions of the Coal Controller have & will be complied with "reserving rights" should he inserted but in view of the feeling that this may involve the refusal of the licence Mr. Ingledew said he did not think that if the slip was agreed to the rights were infringed inasmuch us it could be said it was done under compulsion.
We are, dear Sirs,
Yours truly,

James Burness & Sons