File No. 341.115P51/37
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
1473. Your 1955, 19th. Department, presuming that you, of course, delivered to Foreign Office a communication in the language of Department’s 1421, April 14, is surprised that British Government should furnish no more satisfactory reply than that contained in your telegram under acknowledgment. This Government must insist that the legal rights of American shippers be respected. The information presented to the Department regarding the character and destination of the cargo of the steamer Joseph W. Fordney prompted the Department’s belief that examination of her would not disclose evidence of illegal shipments warranting her seizure. This Government, therefore, felt justified in requesting the release of the vessel in case such evidence had not been disclosed. From the statement received from the British Government regarding the seizure of the vessel this Government is confirmed in its conclusion that such evidence has not been disclosed and that, therefore, the seizure of the vessel is unwarranted.
Bring matter again to the attention British Government with a view to obtaining satisfactory statement from them regarding the apparently unwarranted and illegal seizure of this vessel.