763.72112/223½
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Telegram From Sir E. Grey to Sir C. Spring Rice, Dated October 24, 1914
I am very glad that the United States Government no longer insist upon the Declaration of London in its entirety: this decision will smooth the path very much. I am very sensible of the friendly spirit shown by the President and my conversations with Mr. Page have been most pleasant.
It is absolutely necessary for us in the present circumstances to detain ships carrying oil and copper till we make sure that their cargoes are really going to be landed and consumed in a neutral country; it must not however be assumed that when a ship is detained her cargo is going to be captured or confiscated. In the meanwhile I am doing my best to secure arrangements with neutral countries of such a nature as will avoid delay to neutral shipping while it giving us adequate security.