File No. 841.115St2/24
The British Ambassador (Spring Rice) to the Secretary of State
Washington, October 22, 1914.
Dear Mr. Lansing: The John D. Rockefeller was held up as there was nothing to show in her papers for whom the oil she carries was destined, it being consigned merely to order.” It has now been ascertained that the oil is in fact destined for the Danish Petroleum Company, and an assurance has been obtained to the effect that it will be discharged in Denmark and not reexported.
Directions are accordingly being given for the release of the vessel.
I am however to impress earnestly on the United States Government that a belligerent is entitled to find on board a neutral vessel [Page 325] papers clearly indicating the destination both of ship and cargo, with full particulars showing who are the owners and to whom each part of the cargo is consigned. So long as cargoes are merely consigned “to order,” His Majesty’s Government are compelled to hold up the ship and detain her until they are satisfied as to the innocence of her destination.
Fuel and lubricants were declared conditional contraband under the King’s proclamation of August 4.
I am [etc.]