File No. 763.72112/1175
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p. m.]
2159. Your 1603, May 23 [22]. Sir Edward Grey informs me that the British Government clearly understand that the cotton arrangement is private and unofficial and in no way involves our Government. He will forthwith give to the newspapers here a statement to this effect and he is so telegraphing to Spring Rice.
I have exactly followed your instructions given in several telegrams about shipping controversies distinctly to inform the Foreign Office that the representations made must be understood as in no way prejudicial to the American attitude toward the order in council. In conversation also with Sir Edward Grey I have a number of times definitely informed him to the same effect. There is therefore no misunderstanding in his mind on this point.