Mr. Tower to Mr. Hay.
Berlin, December 22, 1902.
(Mr. Tower reports that the German Government announces officially the blockade of Puerto Cabello and Maracaibo, to take effect December 20. Ships under other flags than that of Venezuela sailing from West Indian or eastern American ports before that date shall have an allowance of twenty days for sailing vessels and ten days for steamships. Vessels coming from all other ports shall be allowed forty days for sailing vessels and twenty days for steamers. Ships under other flags than that of Venezuela and lying upon that date within the blockaded harbors shall be allowed fifteen days. Ships which shall try to disregard the blockade shall be subject to the rules applicable either by international law or treaty provision to neutrals under such circumstances.)