File No. 811.7111/52.

The British Ambassador to the Secretary of State.

No. 75.]

Sir: I have had occasion during the last few weeks to address several unofficial communications to the Department of State on the subject of a scheme initiated by a negro in this country styling himself “Chief Sam” for shipping large numbers of negroes to the Gold Coast Colony in West Africa, where they were promised by the initiator of the movement facilities for settling and taking up land.

I have explained that there is no prospect whatever that Chief Sam would be able to fulfill his promises as regards the acquisition of land in the Colony; that the climatic conditions are highly unsuitable for American negroes; and that enquiry here has thrown grave doubt on Sam’s bona fides; and that therefore His Majesty’s Government desire to do all in their power to discourage the movement.

I have now received a telegram for Sir Edward Grey instructing me to inform the United States Government that it is intended to pass an ordinance compelling every individual immigrant into the Gold Coast, not being a native of West Africa, to deposit security for his repatriation if required to do so by the local authorities. [Page 325] The amount of the security will be £25 per head and the period during which it will become forfeit, if the immigrant becomes destitute, twelve months. The captain or owner of the ship will be obliged to carry back the immigrants who can not give such security.

I have the honour to request that you will be good enough to bring this information to the knowledge of the competent authorities.

I have [etc.]

Cecil Spring Rice
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