File No. 841.711/114

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

[Telegram]

3334. Your 2526, December 1, 7 p. m. I learn from Sir Edward Grey that German action in the North Sea and adjacent waters and the desirability closing all existing channels of information to Germany has led the British Government to consider the possibility of modifying their present practice as regards mail matter on neutral vessels emanating from or addressed to enemies, but no decision has yet been reached.

British representatives in neutral countries have accordingly been asked for reports on the subject.

British Minister at The Hague made no such statement of intention as that contained in your telegram under acknowledgment. In a conversation with Netherlands Minister for Foreign Affairs he merely foreshadowed the possibility of British Government being driven to make that change. A request for a similar report was mailed to Spring Rice about a week ago.

American Embassy