The Secretary of the Treasury, with instructions from the Secretary of State, interpreted the decision as encompassing permits already issued, even those already in transit or even those already in bonded U.S. warehouses. Following criticisms offered by both parties, the Administration embraced language to provide compensation for the property owners. The amendment released property for import only if it was in transit, in bonded warehouses, in port or in a foreign trade zone with permits issued prior to the embargo. The good faith of importers should not be held against them and must not be used to destroy them. Both the Senate and the Administration have previously endorsed the proposal to spare law-abiding property owners punishment.
Fairness demands it.