The Honourable Colonial Secretary.
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16 OCT 9
I have been considering the subject of the detention of the United State Tartar with United States Troops on board.
The Ordinance gives to the Harbour Master the discretion whether, the ship not satisfying all its requirements, he will not allow the ship to go to sea.
It must be remembered that though the Tartar is a British ship with a British Crew she is at present practically a Troop-ship carrying United States Troops exclusively.
It is therefore in my opinion a case where, except the conditions appear to the Harbour Master to be dangerous to the ship or the lives of the troops, a clearance might properly be given even though the law has not been strictly complied with.
In case that the Harbour Master decides to refuse a clearance he should go on board and inspect the ship, as representations are certain to be made to London by the United States Government and explanations will probably be called for.
(Initialed) H.A.B.
1519/99.