File No. 341.622a/135
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
3347. Your 43201 and 4326,2 May 18, and 4314,1 May 16. I can not agree to retention of men desired by Sir Edward Grey unless the fact that they were incorporated in the armed forces of the enemies of Great Britain was known by the commanding officer-of the Laurentic at the time they were seized from the China, which fact does not appear from any of your cables.
It is obvious that the principle involved would be nullified if enemy subjects who are always under suspicion by their opponent could be seized from an American vessel at sea and the action supported by evidence obtained subsequently or in the hands of British authorities but not known by the commander of the warship making the seizure. I would be greatly surprised if on any such grounds Sir Edward Grey should request the retention of some of the persons in question and thus infringe upon the principle to which both our Governments are bound.
I agree with you that formal representations are greatly emphasized by personal presentation, but it is customary in order to deprive them of an informal character to accompany them with a formal note to be left with the Foreign Minister at the end of the conference.