The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
Washington, August 23, 1914, 6 p.m.
[Telegram]
Is Department to understand that presentation of claims of neutral owners of cargo to procurator general, London, applies only, to vessels seized in or carried to ports in England proper?
[Page 307]At what other British ports has Great Britain prize courts, and what steps should American owners of cargo take for release of same aboard ships seized and taken to such other British ports?
This Government considers all cargo consigned to or by American owners afloat before outbreak of hostilities not subject to adjudication as prize, and assumes that the British Government will facilitate their release. Owing to sudden outbreak of war and disturbed communication with foreign countries and great difficulty of American owners presenting formal claims or having representation, the United States thinks it would be an act of justice if British Government would direct release of American-owned goods afloat before declaration of war without necessity for presentation of claim, where it is apparent that goods are not contraband. Otherwise innocent American owners will suffer great hardships and irreparable injury. Present this matter to the British Government and urge its favorable action, which will have effect of allaying apprehension of American interests involved, who otherwise may fear to risk future shipment under any circumstances.