File No. 300.115/10034

The British Ambassador (Spring Rice) to the Secretary of State

My Dear Mr. Secretary: It was recently reported in the press that 1,200 packages shipped from New York to Manila on the British steamer Aymeric had been removed by the authorities at Hongkong on the ground that the goods were destined for a blacklisted firm, and I immediately telegraphed to the Foreign Office to enquire as to the facts of the case.

I have now received a reply from which it appears that the authorities at Hongkong have been instructed to release the goods in question. Viscount Grey also informs me that instructions have been issued which, it is hoped, will preclude the recurrence of similar incidents.

Believe me [etc.]

For the Ambassador:
Colville Barclay