File No. 861.0145/2.
The Secretary of State to the American Ambassador.
Washington, January 21, 1911.
Sir: The Department has received your No. 363, of September 30 last, reporting concerning the Russian law extending the area of supervision by the Russian customs authorities to twelve marine-miles from low-water mark.
You will inform yourself thoroughly on the nature and extent of the jurisdiction assumed under the Russian law and report fully to [Page 1299] the Department especially as to the operation of the law upon American shipping. Meanwhile you will discreetly call the matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and state that with reference to the general operation of the law over the marginal seas beyond the generally recognized three mile limit and particularly as affecting American commerce, the United States is constrained to reserve all rights of whatever nature.
I am [etc.]