The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Italy (Page)
Washington, December 4, 1914.
[Telegram]
98. Consul at Genoa telegraphs that as result of Italian decree respecting consignments to order 5,000 bales cotton now tied up at Genoa and more in transit. These cargoes shipped before publication of decree. Appropriately present matter to Italian Government [Page 400] and seek to have decree so construed or modified as not to apply to shipments made prior to announcement of decree, otherwise American shippers suffering loss. As cotton is non-contraband and so recognized by all belligerents, Department believes that Italian Government, upon presentation of matter, will favorably consider permitting transshipment of cotton from Italian territory.