711.419/144
The Secretary of State to the British Ambassador (Howard)
Excellency: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your aide memoire of March 27, 1926, setting forth administrative measures which your Government is prepared to adopt to assist the United States in its efforts to prevent the smuggling of liquor into the United States from the sea. In the last paragraph of this communication you state that in the interest of closer cooperation, His Majesty’s Government desire to extend an invitation to the United States to send a representative or representatives to London for discussion with [Page 349] the competent British authorities, to learn what are the latter’s powers and limitations and to acquaint them with the nature of the information and assistance which the United States authorities are in a position to supply. It is stated that your Government is of the opinion that such a visit would materially contribute towards a full understanding and the efficient execution of the offer of cooperation which you request this Government to accept as proof of the desire of His Majesty’s Government to give such assistance as it is possible to give in the circumstances.
I desire to express the deep appreciation of this Government for the offer of cooperation contained in the aide memoire in question. I feel certain that the administrative measures which you set forth will aid greatly in bringing about better enforcement of the laws of the United States prohibiting the importation of intoxicating liquors for beverage use. I have transmitted copies of the aide memoire to the interested authorities of this Government, and I can assure you that this Government will cooperate fully in assisting your Government in obtaining the necessary evidence on which to prosecute persons who violate British laws on the subjects mentioned. I also accept, on behalf of this Government, the invitation to send representatives to London, and shall at a later date advise you of the names of the persons who will be sent. It would be convenient for the representatives to leave the United States about the 22d of May, which would make it possible to arrive in London May 28. I should be pleased to be informed whether this would be satisfactory to the British authorities.
Accept [etc.]