File No. 763.72112/1037
The Consul General at London (Skinner) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8 p. m.]
My 16th and referring to suggestions to Ambassador reported in his telegram after conference Saturday. I saw Admiral Slade Monday evening who said in private conversation if contents manifests, indicating consignor and consignee, quantity of article and destination cargo, were cabled to Consulate General promptly and laid before British authorities, they would undoubtedly immediately state whether ship must be detained and would endeavor to adjust matters of controversy before arrival of vessel so that ship might proceed or be directed to actual discharging port instead of sojourning uselessly week or more at Kirkwall or Stornoway. He believes this would largely obviate future trouble. He appeared deeply impressed by my statement that British Government must provide definite practical means of assuring uninterrupted innocent commerce with neutral countries, promising his support in interdepartmental committee in which his authority is great. I suggested that no arrangements would be satisfactory which did not include purchase of cargoes in suspense without costly and protracted prize-court [Page 373] delays and canceling of rules whereby American ships must pay burdensome dues and discharging and loading costs arising out of enforced detention. He readily acknowledged correctness the view. If Department can adopt foregoing without derogation to American standpoint believe that note to British. Government would lead to working agreement.