611.62 in 31/24: Telegram
The Ambassador in Great Britain (Kellogg) to the Secretary of State
[Received April 10—2:25 p.m.]
123. Your 89, April 8, 3 p.m. I had a personal conference today with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in relation to discriminatory tariff imposed by New Zealand. I explained to him provisions of tripartite convention of 1899 which is still in force, also that the imposition of this tariff was in violation of the principle of mandated German territory which had been conceded by Japan, France, Belgium and by the British Government in exchange of communications in reference to Central African treaty. He said he would take the matter up and insist on an adjustment at an early date; that while he was not familiar with the details occurring during previous administrations he thought delay was due largely to having to deal with colonial governments and the imperial conference which took place last autumn; that he understood that New Zealand claimed some discrimination by the United States in the imposition of port duties against British ships in Samoa. I informed him that I had no knowledge of such discrimination unless it was the collection of fees for issuing consular bills of health for ships clearing from Apia to Pago Pago which were subsequently refunded as not being in accordance with the treaty of 1899. (See enclosures to Department’s instruction No. 833 [883], August 18th, 1920, report of Mason Mitchell, Consul.)65 Definitely promised early action. Will keep Department advised.
- Not printed.↩