763.72112/3527a
The Secretary of State to
President Wilson
Washington,
April 19, 1917
.
My Dear Mr. President: We ought to issue a
list of contraband. We are receiving inquiries in regard to the matter
and are unable to answer.
The Allied Governments have issued lists detailing numerous articles, the
lists being very long, increasingly long because of the constant
additions made from time to time.
After consideration of the subject it seemed to me that a general rather
than a detailed list of contraband could be issued which would not
require frequent change and consequent confusion.
If this method meets with your approval I would suggest the issuance of a
contraband list like the one enclosed. It covers I believe all the
articles included in the lists issued by the Allies, and at the same
time it will not require constant amendments as their lists have.
Faithfully yours,
[Enclosure]
Draft List of Contraband of War
- (1)
- All kinds of arms, guns, ammunition, explosives, and machines
for their manufacture; component parts thereof; materials or
ingredients used in their manufacture; articles necessary or
convenient for their use.
- (2)
- All contrivances for or means of transportation on land, in
the water or air, and machines used in their manufacture;
component parts thereof; materials or ingredients used in their
manufacture; articles or animals necessary or convenient for
their use.
- (3)
- All kinds of food and clothing destined to come into
possession or control of the enemy government or its officers or
agents; articles and materials for the manufacture
thereof.
- (4)
- Tools, implements, instruments, equipment, maps,
correspondence, papers and other articles, machines, or
documents necessary or convenient for carrying on hostile
operations.
- (5)
- Coin, bullion, currency, evidences of debt, metals, materials,
dies, plates, machinery or other articles necessary or
convenient for their manufacture.
