841.8595/51
The British Ambassador (Halifax) to the Secretary of State
His Majesty’s Ambassador presents his compliments to the Secretary of State and has the honour to inform him that a proposal is under consideration by the competent British authorities for providing that the British military personnel on board British merchant ships should serve as watchmen against sabotage while in United States ports. This proposal offers several advantages from the point of view of the British authorities concerned. In the first place it is thought that the military personnel would be more reliable and more suitable for anti-sabotage watching than ordinary shore watchmen. [Page 392] Secondly, it would keep the men employed while in port and would avoid any risk of their getting into undesirable company. It would also enable them to earn a little extra pay, the rate suggested being 6s. for 8 hours, which would provide them with pocket money which is very necessary when a ship has to spend some time in port. The men would not be in uniform but would have to be armed.
Before authorising the British authorities concerned to proceed further with the proposed arrangement Lord Halifax would be glad to learn whether the Secretary of State would see any objection thereto. Should there be no objection in principle he would be glad to learn whether it would be necessary for the men to remain on board rather than on the quay side when on guard duty.