File No. 341.622a/156
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
3464. Your 4446, June 12, 4474, June 19.1 I must ask you to follow up the China case more vigorously, as now over six weeks have passed since the promise of Sir Edward Grey to release and return the men seized from the S. S. China in February last, and since then held as prisoners by the British Government. In the Trent case the men seized by the United States were released promptly after a decision had been reached as to releasing them. If it is necessary to hasten action, I will send you a further formal communication to the British Government requesting the immediate return of the men. In view of the fact that these men have been wrongfully seized, as admitted by the British Government, from an American vessel at sea, it seems to me that this Government is entitled to expect a special effort on the part of the British Government to make amends for the offense by prompt action, even though it be at some inconvenience to themselves.
- No. 4474 not printed.↩