541 904.
Sir:-
CUSTOM HOUSE,
LONDON, 31st May, 1904.
I am directed by the Commissioners of Customs to state, for the information of the Secretary of State and for such action as may be deemed necessary with reference to the provisions of the Foreign Enlistment Act, 1870, that the Collector of this Revenue at Hull reports that the Steamship "Ohio" of that Port has been sold by Messrs T. Wilson Sons and Company, Limited, to Mr. W. Foot Mitchell of 19, Billiter Street, E.C., who is now giving a Certificate of Sale in favour of Mr. Frederick J. Bardens of Kobé, Japan. It is rumoured at the Port that she is to be transferred to the Japanese Government.
The vessel left Hull on the 20th instant for Cardiff to load.
I am to request to be favoured with His Lordship's early directions in the matter.
I am &c.,
(Signed)
John Gatty.
Under Secretary of State,
Foreign Office.