Laird Brothers to her Majesty’s Treasury.
Sir: From communications which have passed between our solicitors and those of the government, in the case of the El Tousson and El Monnassir, it would appear that the trial may not come on for a considerable time, and consequently the vessels will have to remain in their present exposed position, unless some other arrangement can be made with the government.
Were the vessels finished, there would be much less risk of their receiving damage than in their present unfinished and unprotected state.
We therefore think it desirable to make the following proposals to the government, namely: That the vessels should be moved into the Birkenhead public docks, and placed at the top end of the great float, about a mile from the entrance, the government retaining possession by an armed force, or otherwise, as they may think requisite, so that we may be able to complete our contract, which we are desirous of doing, although the value of the additional fittings we should put on board will be very considerable.
In the event of the government proving their right to retain the vessels, they will, if our proposal be agreed to, be in a much more perfect state. On the other hand, should the government not succeed, the vessels will be sooner ready for delivery by us to the owners, and consequently any claim for damages against the government will be reduced.
These proposals are made without prejudice to any legal proceedings Messrs. A. Bravay & Co., or ourselves, may be advised to take for obtaining compensation in this matter, and, being advantageous to her Majesty’s government, we hope they will accede to them.
We desire further to add, that we have no hesitation in saying these vessels will be much more secure in the great float than they now are in the river Mersey; and, in support of this opinion, we enclose a plan showing where the vessels are at present moored, and where we purpose to have them placed.
We are, sir, your most obedient servants,
The Secretary to the Treasury.
The plan enclosed indicates the various positions of the vessels El Tousson and El Monnassir, as follows:
1. Situation in the Birkenhead dock, where El Tousson was lying when seized.
[Page 419]2. Messrs. Laird Brothers’ dock, where the El Monnassir was lying when seized.
3. Present position of El Tousson and El Monnassir, in river Mersey.
4. Situation in Birkenhead public dock, where it is proposed, by Laird Brothers’ letter of 12th January, to place the vessels for completion.