No. 891.
Mr. Roosevelt to Mr. Bayard.

No. 23.]

Sir: I inclose copy of a letter from Mr. James Hector advising me of the refusal of the Government of the Netherlands to permit the importation of American bacon, although duly certified to come from a place free from disease to which hogs are subject. Copy of the certificate and translation are also inclosed. I addressed a communication to the minister of foreign affairs, of which copy is also inclosed, and await reply and any instructions from you.

I am, etc.,

R. B. Roosevelt.
[Page 1332]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 23.—Memorandum.]

Mr. Hector to Mr. Roosevelt.

Sir: I take the liberty to inform your excellency that, through a misunderstanding or misreading of law, my shipments of American bacon, directly imported here from the United States, have been refused entrance in Holland (Maastricht).

It will be useless to say that the Dutch Government can not prohibit American bacon, unless by special law. I am a regular shipper to Holland and am now at a loss what to do, all railroad companies refusing carriage. Would your excellency kindly see the competent authorities on this subject and request them to give more lucid instructions to their employés?

I am, etc.,

James Hector.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 23.—Translation.]

Certificate of the mayor of Antwerp.

Municipality of Antwerp, Second Bureel:

The undersigned, mayor of the city of Antwerp, declares that the box containing dry-salted American bacon, marked F. H. 369 y, sent by rail to Valkenburg, accompanied by this certificate, comes from a place where there was no epidemic whereof hogs generally suffer.

For the mayor: The sheriff,

J. Landout.

[Inclosure 3 in No. 23.]

Mr. Roosevelt to Mr. Karnebeek.

Sir: From the inclosed letter from Mr. James Hector it appears that bacon shipped to him from America was refused admission to Holland.

By the certificate of the burgomaster of Antwerp (copy also inclosed) it seems the bacon came from a place where there was no hog sickness.

May I ask your good offices in the matter and any explanation or direction that will assist in avoiding similar misunderstandings in the future?

Renewing, etc.,

R. B. Roosevelt.