Evening star., 1922-09-01


sui. to Dresden. The archives have
been transferred to the consulate at
Hull. which is the nearest one TO
Newcastle.
Charge Soliciting Business.
The action of the British govern
ment is said to have been taken on
the grounds that the two consular
officials were unduly active in solicit
ing business for the vessels of the
United States Shipping Board. and
that attempts were made to coerce
British subjects into using American
vessels instead of British registry.
This was denied by Mr.. Slater in an
interview last night.
The British government six weeks
ago advised the American govern
ment it had proof of abuse by Consul
Slater and Vice Consul Brooks OF
their positions. and that 1t had de-
cided reluctantly to withdraw their
papers.
Action Deferred by Britain.
The government stated also that it
would defer action for a month or
two. as the American government was
conducting its own negotiations and
might decide to remove the officials
itself, The American governments
reply was that it did not consider any
of the allegations substantiated.
The British government. according
to officials. felt then that it would
have no alternative but to enforce
its decision. officials cited several
instances of discrimination by the
two consular officials against British
shipping lines to support the British
governments action.
Specific Cases Cited.
In the British communication to
Washington several specific cases were
cited in support of the charges Of dis
elimination. One British traveller. in a
sworn statement. the note sets forth.
applied to Vice Consul Brooks for a
visa to go to the United States in order
to visit his brother. Mr.. Brooks. ac-
cording to the statement expressed
doubt as to whether that was the ap-
plicant's real purpose. and demanded q
letter OF recommendation. The pro-
spective traveller secured the letter and
presented 1t to the vice consul. who
nevertheless seemed still reluctant to
grant the visa.
After some remarks about the su-
periority Of the American liners. Mr..
Brooks is alleged in the statement to
have said:
You seem decent sort Of chap and
j Will wise your passport upon COnQlltOH
that you go by the United States lines
The traveller, he alleges. then went to
an agent of the United States lines and
Professionally engaged accommodation,
and the vice consul gave him the visa.
In another case a woman testified Mr..
Brooks told her that any one who meant
eventually to settle In the United States
should give proof Of good will by travel
ing in an American ship. and that he de-
manded to see her ticket before issu-
ing the visa.
Brooks" the woman said. that there
was no alternative except to pur-
chase a ticket over that line. which
l did. whereupon the vice consul is
sued the visa"
Tells of "LOyalty" Plea.
Another man, who had taken out
first naturalization papers in the
United States, alleged he had been
spective citizen of the United States
and as a man who was going to
earn his living in the United States,
he did not show his loyalty to the
country by travelling upon 100 per
cent American ship.
British diplomatic officials point
out that when, in 1856, the American
government revoked the exequaturs
of the British consuls in New York.
Philadelphia and Cincinnati, on the
ground of their alleged participa-
tion In recruiting men for the Brit |
ish army. the British government
refused to admit that the consuls
had acted improperly, but stated 1t
could not deny to the United States
government right similar to that
which in a parallel case 1t would |
claim for itself. namely. the right of
forming its own judgment regarding
the barring of the laws of the Union
upon transactions which had taken
place within the Union"
II g CQMSuI.A CT IQSEn