File No. 763.72111Ei9/22

The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (Peters) to the Counselor for the Department of State

Dear Mr. Lansing: Mr. Hamilton, the collector of customs, at Norfolk, has telephoned me that he is in receipt of the following letter from the commander of the Prinz Eitel Friedrich, and requests to be instructed:

March 29, 1915.

Mr. Hamilton: I have up to now received from you no information concerning the departure of any non-neutral vessels. I hold myself therefore concerning [Page 830] this point justified to sail at any time. I must necessarily in consequence of your demand according to Hague Convention XIII, Article 16, demand timely information concerning outgoing non-neutral vessels.

With the highest respect,

Thierichens
Captain Commandant

Yours sincerely,

A. J. Peters