The Acting Secretary of State to William H. Libby
Sir: The Department has received your letter of the 1st instant, wherein, with reference to your letter of the 18th ultimo, you urge that the Government of the United States notify the belligerent powers that this Government does not feel justified in conceding that the illuminating oil of commerce is fairly liable to contraband classification.
In reply you are advised that the Department is earnestly endeavoring to obtain equitable treatment for American commerce under existing conditions. In this relation, the Department begs to call your attention to the fact that it has made representations to the British Government against the seizure of the steamer John D. Rockefeller , in view of the fact that illuminating oil is not listed as absolute contraband of war by the British Government and in view of the apparent neutral destination of the vessel.
I am [etc.]