Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, 1923, Volume I

811.114/1400

The Secretary of State to the Chiefs of Foreign Missions in the United States

The Secretary of State presents his compliments to their Excellencies and Messieurs the Chiefs of Missions, and has the honor to communicate to them the following notice issued by the Secretary of the Treasury:

“To Shipping Everywhere:

“The Supreme Court of the United States in an opinion rendered April 30⁹⁸ construing the National Prohibition Act holds⁹⁹ that it is unlawful for any vessel, either foreign or domestic, to bring within the United States or within the territorial waters thereof any liquors whatever for beverage purposes. Treasury regulations are now being prepared for carrying this decision into effect and will be promulgated at an early date and become effective June 10, 1923. All shipping, both foreign and domestic will be subject to such regulations on and after that date without further notice.”¹

Washington , May 3, 1923.

98. Cunard Steamship Company, Ltd., et al. v. Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury, et al.; 262 U.S. 100.
99. 41 Stat. 305.
1. This notice was sent as Department’s circular telegram of May 3, 6 p.m., to all American diplomatic officers, with instructions to repeat it to all consuls.