From the Secretary

of the Treasury to Collectors of Customs (telegram).

Aug. 21 From the Collector

Supplemental instructions regard- 674 ing the prevention of violation of the neutrality laws.

Acting German Consul offered written statement that coal on Mazatlan will be delivered in Guaymas. He denied that United States had jurisdiction thereafter. Large cargo of perishables on board. Clearance to be given unless otherwise instructed.

Case of Mazatlan submitted to the Neutrality Board. It is required that German Consul give written assurances that coal is not to be delivered to any German warship that has received coal within last three months; any ship receiving this coal will be debarred from coaling in United States within next three months. Forwards copies of telegrams received and sent by Navy Department relative to enforcement of the President's neutrality proclamation. Transmits telegrams requesting shipment of guns with ammunition through Alaska to Vancouver, unaccompanied by troops. Requests instructions. Transmits request that Congress appropriate sum of one million dollars for expenses of diplomatic and consular officers and for relief of nationals of those countries. When banking facilities are restored amounts are expected to be reimbursed. Permission to ship war munitions and equipment through Alaska refused.

Secretary of State requested to inform Senate if British are interfering with shipments of copper carried in neutral bottoms to Rotterdam. If so, what reasons are given by British for so doing.

Re change in status of merchant vessel. Mere change of color to render her less visible will not change her status.

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617

675

571

742

572

317

612

Date

From and to whom

Oct. 22

Oct. 26

Oct. 27

Subject

Encloses list of supplies being shipped to European hospitals. Certain articles used for medical purposes are compounded of materials which in other forms would be contraband of

war.

Requests to be informed as to what
constitutes hospital supplies.
Cargo of coal on the Mazatlan
ultimately reached the Leipzig.
Encloses telegram from Col-
lector of Customs in San Fran-
cisco quoting written agree-
ment of German acting Consul
General that the coal would not
be delivered to any German
war vessel. Requests instruc-
tions.

British Vice Consul at Newport
News asks that clearance not
be given Italian S. S. Amistà
loaded with coal. Requests in-
structions.

Collector of customs believes that

contract of German Consul
General, re coal taken by Ma-
zatlan, has been violated.
Approves the instructions of the
Treasury Department to clear
the Amistà unless satisfactory
evidence that proposed clear-
Matter
ance is not bona fide.
has been taken up with the
British Embassy.
Transmits cablegrams from Col-
lector of Customs at Honolulu
concerning capture of German
schooner by Japanese battle-
ship Hizen near Honolulu. Re-
quests instructions regarding
disposition of crew.

Re undesirability of exhibiting
manifests of departing vessels
to any person who may desire
to examine them.
Further cablegrams from Hono-
lulu stating that steam launches
from the Hizen have been in
neutral waters without lights.
Captain of Hizen desires to
communication
have sealed
with Japanese Consul in Hono-
lulu. Requests instructions.
Case of the Hizen to be taken up
with the Japanese Ambassador.
Communication between this
vessel and the Japanese Con-
sul in Honolulu not to be per-
mitted. Question of the China-
man from the Aeolus entering
Honolulu must be referred to
Department of Labor.

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626

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626

659

331

From and to whom

Subject

Order issued to collectors of customs to withhold publication of manifests until 30 days after clearance of each vessel. Encloses letter from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. stating that the British Government has placed an em-1 bargo on crude rubber coming from the Far East to any American port; it can only be shipped through British ports. Urges that everything possible be done to lift embargo. Cites case of Italian S. S. Amistà. Necessary to take precaution to ascertain by investigation of each vessel the name of the owner or charterer and the firm supplying cargo, as well as the name and address of consignee. Regulations and instructions for operation of radio stations prepared by Navy Department and sent to Department of State for approval; to be substituted for previous regulations. Requests that collectors of customs be instructed to ascertain of an incoming vessel when she last left an American port and whether she has transferred any cargo to cruisers at sea. No objections to proposed new regulations governing radio service.

Unnecessary for collectors to report on cargoes manifestly of no use to war vessels; also unnecessary to report where consignees are numerous. Unnecessary to send reports on vessels engaged in passenger traffic or in long-established trade between United States and foreign ports.

There is no objection to clearance of the Gladstone if assurance is given under oath that cargo will be discharged at port to which consigned.

Maintenance of neutrality by the
United States during 1914.