File No. 763.72112/272

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

948. There is considerable apprehension here as to the purpose and effect of the recent order of the Secretary of the Treasury directing the United States customs officials to refrain from giving out information regarding outward cargoes and their destination until thirty days after date of clearance of vessels carrying such cargoes. This order is thought here to be a means of concealing contraband cargoes because the publication of information about such cargoes would result in the search and seizure of neutral vessels.

[Page 333]

Can I assure the British Government that this order does not mean that the Government of the United States intends to assist its citizens in carrying on contraband trade with belligerents?

American Ambassador