File No. 711.5914/236b
The Secretary of State to Consul Payne
Washington, March 28, 1917.
Act March 3 last appropriated money for purchase Danish West Indies. Transfer arranged for March 31st. Naval officers now en route will arrive take charge that day. Law provides that where not incompatible with changed sovereignty laws regulating election and electoral franchise as set forth in Code published at Amalienborg April 6, 1906, and other local laws in force in islands January 17th last remain in force and shall be administered by several officials through local judicial tribunals. Colonial council having jurisdiction may repeal, alter or amend any said laws with President’s approval. Jurisdiction of judicial tribunals extends all judicial proceedings in which United States or any citizen thereof is party. Cases reviewable by courts of Denmark, writs of error and appeals shall be to Circuit Court Appeals, Third Circuit. Articles exported United States subject same duty as paid upon similar articles from foreign countries except growth, product or manufacture of the islands or United States, or not containing more than twenty per centum foreign material which will be admitted United States free.
For present, laws now imposing taxes including customs continue in force except articles the growth, product or manufacture of United States admitted free. Sugar exported to foreign countries or United States will pay export duty eight dollars per ton irrespective of polariscope test in lieu any export tax now required. Duties and taxes collected will be used and expended under the President for benefit such islands.
Upon Commander Pollock’s arrival and assumption charge you will immediately close consulate, turn furniture over to Naval authorities together with archives, if they desire them, otherwise they should be packed and shipped Washington. You and Zabriskie will proceed Washington with seal, fee stamps, codes. Messenger services will terminate March 31st.