File No. 763.72111/4135
The Secretary of the Treasury (McAdoo) to the Secretary of State
Washington,
September 21, 1916
.
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith a
copy of a letter dated the 20th instant from the collector of customs at
New York, N. Y., relative to certain alterations which are in progress
on the British steamships Laconia and Tuscania.
I will thank you to advise me what instructions you desire given to the
collector in the matter. Attention is invited to the collector’s
statement that the Laconia is to sail on Friday
and the Tuscania on Saturday, and that the
steamship company therefore requests an early decision.
By direction of the Secretary.
Respectfully,
James L. Wilmeth
Acting Assistant Secretary
[Enclosure]
The Deputy Collector of Customs in New York
(Stuart)
to the Secretary of the Treasury
(McAdoo)
New York,
September 20, 1916
.
Sir: The attention of the Department is
called to certain alterations which have been made at this port on
the British steamships Tuscania and Laconia, Which arrived on the 18th
instant.
On the S. S. Laconia an addition of one
temporary berth has been made to many of the staterooms on “B” deck,
and on “D” deck 60 tables of plain wood with benches capable of
accommodating 20 men each have been set up. More of these tables are
being set up on this deck. On “D” deck and “F” deck hooks from which
to swing about 3,000 hammocks have been placed in position.
On the S. S. Tuscania the fittings in the
first cabin saloon were removed at this port, and carpenters are at
work fitting up plain wooden tables and benches in the saloon
sufficient to accommodate about 700 people. A quantity of lumber has
been taken on board to be used in similar construction.
One of the stewards on the Tuscania informed
an officer of the Neutrality Bureau that the steamer was proceeding
to Halifax, from which place she is to carry troops to England. It
is quite clear from the nature of the changes being
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made that both vessels are intended to
transport troops from Halifax to England.
Owing to the fact that the Laconia is to sail
on Friday and the Tuscania on Saturday, the
Cunard Steamship Company requests that their right to make these
alterations be decided as soon as may be convenient, and that the
decision be communicated by telegraph at their expense.
The matter is submitted to the Department for its information, and
for such instructions as it may deem appropriate.
Respectfully,
