811.114 Gt. Brit./47
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Geddes)
My Dear Mr. Ambassador: As I have informed you in our interviews, since the receipt of your letter of September 29th, with regard to the seizure of vessels supposed by the authorities to be in communication with the shore in the course of illicit traffic in intoxicating liquors, I have sought definite information as to each particular case in order that appropriate action might be taken and that you might be definitely advised.
You will readily understand that under our practice there has been no “Cabinet ruling” in the technical sense but that official action [Page 585] on the part of this Government must be taken in each case through the proper Department, regard being had, of course, to the Government’s conception of the merits of each case according to the applicable rules. I have been informed by the Department of Justice that there have been fourteen British vessels seized and that seven of these seizures were within what is called the three-mile limit. With respect to the remaining seven, I am advised that directions for release have been given in the following cases:
- Marion Mosher
- Grace and Edna
- The Acadia
- H. M. Gardner
- Buena
As to the remaining two vessels, the present situation is as follows:
The Grace and Ruby was condemned by the decision of the United States District Court at Boston22 and an appeal is pending before the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Henry L. Marshall was condemned by the decision of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.23
I am [etc.]