CO129-414 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [10-11] — Page 262

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suspected of being employed in coaling German men-of-var.

7.

It is an establisaed principls that a neutral

Government sugat to prevent the exportation of coal intended for

the use of a belligerent fleet operating in adjoining maters, and since you have asked the opinion of this Government I am bound to say that, on the evidence before it, it regrets that it cannot escape from the conclusion that Manila has been used as a base of operations by the Geraun Squadron, and that much Lore effective restrictions on the export of coal and naval stores frn from manila should in the view of this Goverment be imposed.

In view of the fact that the Cover.sent of the

United States of America was among the first to restrain its citizens by positive legislation within the strict limits of neutrality, I am confident that when the facts are brought to the notice of his Excellency the Governor-Leneral of the Philippine Islande more effective restrictions will be imposed.

I have the honour to be,

sir.

Your obodient servant,

15%.

J. H. May

Governor, tc.