300.115/20497: Telegram
The Consul General at London ( Skinner ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:30 p.m.]
Department’s 21st. Has the Department noted my 7885, May 26th and 8400 September 10th33 enclosing lists Prize Court cases. Am asking for revised list which however may not contain long list [of] cases where American owners deposited value of goods under order of council March 11th, 1915, under belief that deposits would be returned [at] conclusion of war. Prize Court has refused to refund generally claiming war not over, but in Stigstad case, and perhaps others, owners of goods received value thereof. I saw Ambassador yesterday and suggested that Foreign Minister be asked to advise Procurator General of Government’s wish that American companies be reimbursed immediately and all cases settled. I believe that if Foreign Office instructs Procurator General to abstain from his present legalistic view and urges him to settle all cases on equitable basis, presumably by nominating British representative to meet me informally, something effective may follow.
- Neither printed.↩