125.655/13

The Consul in Charge at London (Linnell) to the Acting Secretary of State

No. 13742

Sir: I have the honor to say that a delegation from the city of Newcastle came to this office today to urge upon the United States Government through this Consulate General that the office at Newcastle be not closed. The delegation was composed of:—

  • Sir George Renwick, Bart. M. P., Vice President, Chamber of Commerce.
  • Sir Arthur Sutherland, Bart, K. B. E., Vice President, Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Exchange.
  • Sir William J. Noble, Bart., Ex President of the Chamber of Shipping & Chairman Finance Co, River Tyne Commission, Vice President Chamber of Commerce,
  • Alderman Mason, M. P., Chairman, Shipping Federation,
  • Mr. A. M. Oliver, Town Clerk of Newcastle,
  • Mr. Herbert Shaw, D. L.; J. P., Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, Director and Secretary of the Exchange.

The gentlemen composing this delegation represented practically all the important shipping interests in Newcastle and they said that neither they nor any of the organisations to which they belong had had any part or parcel in making complaints against the American consular officers in Newcastle, that it seemed a great hardship that they and business interests generally in the Newcastle district as well as the interests of the general public, particularly of aliens desiring to proceed from Newcastle to the United States should be penalised for a happening which was in no way their fault or concern.

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I explained to the deputation that this whole matter was being carefully considered by the United States Department of State and that this office could only transmit their statements to the Department for its attention.

I have [etc.]

Irving N. Linnell