File No. 763.72111Un3/11
The British Ambassador ( Spring Rice ) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 27.]
Sir: I have the honour to refer to your notes No. 739 of the 12th of April and No. 770 of the 17th of May1 in which you bring to my notice reports of further complaints received by the Department of State of the appearance of Canadian soldiers wearing filled cartridge belts in United States territory and enquire whether I am in a position to transmit to you the views of the Canadian Government on this important matter.
As you are aware, I had already, on the receipt of your note No. 733 of April 5, communicated with the Canadian Government, mentioning that the streets of Detroit were specified as the scene of these occurrences. Upon the receipt of each of your notes under reference, I again telegraphed to Ottawa and intimated the desire of the United States Government that instructions might be issued to prevent a continuance of the practice.
I have received a reply to the effect that stringent steps have already been taken by the Government of the Dominion to prevent Canadian soldiers from crossing into United States territory and that in view of these orders it would be much appreciated if the exact locality could be named in which these occurrences are taking place.
Assuring you of my desire to do all in my power to meet your wishes in this matter,
I have [etc.]
- Not printed.↩