File No. 300.115/518
The Consul General at London (Skinner) to the Secretary of State
London, September 28, 1914, 5 p.m.
[Received 8:30 p.m.]
[Telegram]
Dutch steamers Sloterdyk and Rotterdam brought Plymouth because of copper in cargo consigned by various American firms to Dutch concerns. As copper was declared conditional contraband on September 21 only and ships left New York prior to that date, I am [Page 317] protesting against seizure as unwarranted, as other shipments may be en route. Question arises as to American position relative to copper exports after September 21 in neutral bottoms consigned to neutral ports. British authorities are bringing all the Dutch liners into British ports and require affirmative proof that goods are for Dutch consumption.