123 S1 1/81: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Harvey) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 29—12:12 p.m.]
321. My telegram number 312, July 26, 2 p.m. On receipt of Department’s telegram 217, July 20, 3 p.m., Embassy requested consul general to undertake thorough investigation and he accordingly despatched Consul Reed under instructions to obtain exact facts and consult all parties involved. Reed’s report which has just been made and which is supported by signed affidavits is being sent by the pouch together with consul general’s comment.28 It completely exonerates [Page 393] Slater and Brooks. Pending your receipt of complete documents consul general requests me to cable you the following:
“The charges against Consul Slater and Vice Consul Brooks have been investigated with care by myself from data submitted and I have before me a comprehensive report from Consul Reed who spent 2 days at Newcastle-on-Tyne where he obtained a detailed statement of all the circumstances coupled with affidavits all of which are being mailed.
As a result of this investigation I am strongly of the opinion that neither Mr. Slater nor Mr. Brooks has in any case refused, delayed or threatened to refuse or delay visas at any time as a means of encouraging passengers to travel via the United States Lines.
The opposition to these officers represents the objections of British lines to the competing American passenger ships fomented by rival local ticket agents who especially resent the activities of a competitor with whom the consulate has nothing whatever to do located at the same building as the consulate.
Witnesses named by these agents as prepared to support their charges state under oath that they met with no difficulty whatever and thus far there is not a shred of reliable evidence to confirm the allegations.
I trust that the Department will support the consul and vice consul for endeavoring conscientiously and without offense to discharge their proper duties.”
I have examined Reed’s report and completely concur in the consul general’s views.
- Despatch and enclosed report not printed.↩