File No. 763.72111/4371a

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

[Telegram]

4216. Press reports that British steamships now plying between New York and Great Britain will soon transfer their western terminus to Halifax where large sums are being expended in the development of dock facilities and railroad terminals. Similar development is reported at St. John’s and North Sydney.

Press also reports British nationalization of merchant ships by fitting them with 6-inch guns fore and aft and by protecting them with disguised cruisers along the lanes of trade.

Please ascertain discreetly the truth of these reports and report as soon as possible in detail, telegraphing brief summary.

Lansing