300.115(39)/347: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:54 p.m.]
3007. Department’s 1314, October 26, 7 p.m.90 The Embassy’s note mentioned in my 2604, October 28, 4 p.m.,91 has been answered [Page 818] by a Foreign Office note dated December 13 stating that American Consuls have every facility for following the movements of American ships in French ports and the operations ordered by French authorities to assure the control of contraband goods. The note adds that the Embassy will be notified in good time of the date of any proceedings in the Prize Court. In conclusion it stated that the Admiralty services will endeavor to supply the Embassy with the particulars of any individual case in which it is interested.
The Embassy will continue to rely on Consulates [for reports?] of seizures of American ships and goods. Such reports are believed complete as regards ships but incomplete as regards goods. The following additional seizures of American goods from French ships are reported by the Consul at Havre:
From steamer Floride, arrived November 4th, 75 tons of carbon black from Houston for Antwerp were seized December 24th.
From steamer Michigan, arrived November 9th, 11 tons of carbon black from Houston for Antwerp were seized November 24th.
From steamer Indiana, arrived November 11th, 325 tons of asphalt, oil and grease were detained but released on December 6th.