File No. 763.72112/2628

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

My Dear Mr. Secretary: With reference to your letter of May 5 last, I beg to inform you that I have received a telegram from Sir Edward Grey [Page 686] stating that the naval officers in question have been directed to observe the customary procedure as to entries in the logs of all neutral vessels boarded except when military necessities demand the omission of such entries. They have also been instructed never to send armed parties on board unless their presence is necessary, the number of men in each case being reduced to a minimum. Men carry sidearms when required for guard or search purposes.

Sir Edward Grey desires me to express regret for the omission of entries in the log in any cases not covered by military necessities.

I beg to add that I am bringing to his notice the cases mentioned in your two letters of June 7 and in your letter of June 8, all of which occurred prior to the issue of the instructions referred to above.

Believe me [etc.]

Cecil Spring Rice