File No. 341.115St2/10
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain (Page)
Washington, October 21, 1914.
[Telegram]
362. Department advised that tank steamer John D. Rockefeller , owned by Standard Oil Company; New Jersey, built-in America, sailing under American flag and registry since before the war, and with American officers, left Philadelphia September 26 with cargo illuminating oil for Copenhagen now detained by British Government at Kirkwall, Orkney Islands. Present foregoing to British Government and request that, if facts are as represented, vessel be released at once and allowed to proceed to destination. In view of fact that illuminating oil is not listed as absolute contraband of war by British Government, and that petroleum is on embargo list of Denmark, and in view of apparent bona fide destination for neutral port, it is difficult to understand the justification for seizure and detention.