CO129-428 - Public Offices - 1915 — Page 498

that might remain.

5.

In all these circumstances Mr.

Boner Law is in some doubt as to the best

course to be adopted. As already stated,

it appears doubtful whether Prize proceed-

ings could successfully be tal

and al-

takon, and

though it might be possible to confiscate the

goods if proceedings were taken against the

management of the Dresdner Bank for trading

with the enemy, Their Lordships will probably

think it undesirable, having regard to the

official character of that management, for a

prosecution to be initiated.

Moreover, if

the Bank is allowed to se tisfy its lien the

permission

benefit of this position will presumably

be reaped by the British Allied and Neutral

creditors of the Bank. On the whole,

therefore, r. Bonar Law is inclined to

think that the best course will be to allow

the Bank to sell the goods and satisfy

their lien including therein any sume

reasonably expended by them in transhipping

and forwarding and selling the goods; an

undertaking

494

DRAFT.

being given by the Bank to account to

His Majesty's Government for any

mag

balance that remain of the

proceeds of sale after the satisfaction

of the Bank's lien.

6.

lir. Bonar Law would be glad

to learn at Their Lordships' early

convenience whether they concur in this

proposal.

am, etc.,

(Bigned) H. J. READ.

for the Under Secretary of Stati