File No. 763.72112/64
Representative
Stephens
to the Secretary of State
Washington,
August 6, 1914.
Sir: Herewith I have the honor to transmit
telegram I have this morning received from the Wichita Mill and
Elevator Company, of Wichita Falls, Texas, relative to the shipment
of wheat from Galveston to England. The telegram is
self-explanatory, and I shall esteem it a favor if you will kindly
advise me as the telegram elicits in order that I may wire the
parties at as early a date as practicable.
Thanking you [etc.]
[Enclosure—Telegram]
The Wichita Mill and
Elevator Company to Representative
Stephens
Wichita Falls, Texas
,
August 5, 1914.
Please investigate and advise whether or not wheat can be moved
under American flag from Galveston to England, France, and
Holland without violation of neutrality provisions; also, Is
wheat classed as contraband of war?
[Page 274]
Will foreign boats now Galveston be
permitted cancel foreign registration and register under
American requirements? Do you think Government will look with
favor on furnishing escort for fleet of grain-carrying steamers
destined France? Wire views our cost.
The Wichita Mill And Elevator
Company
The Secretary of
State to Representative
Stephens
Department of State,
Washington
,
August 8, 1914.
[Telegram]
Referring to telegram from Wichita Mill and Elevator Company,
wheat and provisions are classed as conditional contraband of
war under generally accepted principles of international law,
and therefore subject to capture and confiscation by belligerent
vessel if destined for a belligerent government, its army or
navy, or its port blockaded or held by military forces; if not
so destined they are not contraband of war. Holland is not now
at war and wheat and foodstuffs destined for use in that country
not considered contraband of war. Persons are free to sell or
ship foodstuffs from United States in ordinary commercial
transactions without violating United States neutrality laws.
Pending passage of bill before Congress, foreign boats referred
to may not be registered in United States. This Government could
not well furnish escort for fleet of grain steamers as such
escort might involve United States in serious complications.
W. J. Bryan
