File No. 300.115/13035

The Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

6917. Replying to my representations based on your 5179 [5169?], July 18, 6 p.m., Foreign Office states this matter recently formed subject of telegraphic correspondence with British Ambassador, Washington, who on July 14 reported the anxiety of United States Government that shipment to America be allowed of all German goods now at Rotterdam having been paid for by the American importers, and Sir Spring Rice was informed that to expedite dealing with the matter British Government desired to be furnished with detailed list of such goods giving name of applicant in America, name of vendor in Germany, number of cases, bales, etc., nature of contents, present whereabouts of goods, and their value in each case, but the United States Government’s request was understood to refer only to goods for which appraisals were filed with British Ambassador, Washington, before November 1, 1915. Reference is made to the suggestion in your 5169 that the question of delivery and payment, if not already effected, should be dealt with under provision of Trading with the Enemy Act pending before Congress, and it is pointed out British Government have no knowledge of these provisions but presume the act is framed to prevent shipment to America of enemy goods not yet paid for. If so, British Government are ready to consider the proposal on receiving definite information regarding provisions of act and its operation, and Sir Spring Rice has been instructed to suggest that the list as above indicated would prove the best alternative. Foreign Office adds that British Government are sincerely desirous of effecting a satisfactory settlement of this matter and feel confident no serious or essential difference exists between their attitude and that of United States Government. Copy of note follows next pouch.

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