CO129-428 - Public Offices - 1915 — Page 355

Copy.

T.E 4077

7083

351

44710 S.C.

Sir,

Custom House, London Eq

E-12 EB15 REG 12 FEB 15

6th February, 1915.

I am directed by the Board of Customs and Excise to state, for the information of the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, that on the 25th ultimo 13 cases of umbrella frames were brought by the 8.8. "Belgomie" of the General Steam Navigation Company Limited, from Rotterdam for transhipment to Hong Kong. The Bill of Lading described the origin of the goods as "Germany, but with certificate of English Considate allowing transhipment at London". The certificate referred to which is enclosed, is a declaration by the consignors male before a British Consular Officer that the goods had been ordered in Germany before the war broke out, and that the goods were not sent forward on account of the German suppliers, but were actually purchased and paid for before shipment. A certicifate by the British Pro-Consul at Rotterdamn to this effect was subsequently produced and is also enclosed.

My Board would be glad to be favoured with the observations of the Secretary of State as to whether, if delivery of the goods were taken in Hong Kong, there would not be trading with the enemy by the consignees, and, having regard to the team of par.5(7) of the Trading with the Enemy Proclamation of the 9th September last, whether it is not illegal for a British Shipowner or Master to "carry" goods in the circumstances of this case,

I am,

The Under Secretary of State,

Home Office,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(S1) G. Dyke.