Office of the Historian

File No. 300.115/450e

The Acting Secretary of State to the Consul General at London (Skinner)

Department of State,
Washington, September 22, 1914.

[Telegram]

Department considers British Government not entitled to collect freight on cargo on diverted, detained, or seized vessels sailing before war. American interests at best suffer enormous losses through detention and course pursued by British, which course Department cannot approve as extending neutral commerce rights to which entitled under international law and modern usage.

Moreover, ships have not earned freight. Press for release American goods free of charges.

With Department’s position made clear, it will not advise owners to refuse to pay freight since still greater loss from further detention would accrue.

Lansing