711.42131/60
The British Chargé (Chilton) to the Secretary of State
His Britannic Majesty’s Chargé d’Affaires presents his compliments to the Secretary of State and, with reference to the memorandum of His Majesty’s Ambassador, No. 483, of June 22nd13 respecting the question of permission for the United States Ship Wilmington to enter, unarmed, the waters of the Great Lakes for duty in connection with the training of Naval Reserves and Naval Militia of Ohio and Kentucky, has the honour to inform him that a communication has been received from the Governor-General of Canada stating that, as the Prime Minister and the Minister of National Defence are now visiting Washington with a view to discussing the general question of Naval vessels on the Great Lakes, it is thought advisable to delay a reply to the Secretary of State’s communication of June 13th13 until the matter has been jointly considered.
[Page 487]The Department of National Defence of Canada point out that as this vessel does not replace any other vessel it would be an addition to the Naval strength of the United States in these waters.