W. S. C.
August 19, 1914.
Secretary.
First Sea Lord.
Admiral Slade.
Chief of Staff.
Captain Webb.
The Cabinet decided this morning that we must abandon, under protest and as an exception, the running of defensively-armed merchantmen to American ports. We do this on the assumption that we in no way waive the principle, but in consideration of the fact that the United States are preventing a large number of German ships suitable for armament from fitting out. We must also stipulate that the guns, having been landed from these ships, shall be returned without their mountings in some other non-military vessel on which and from which they clearly cannot be used during the voyage.
Pray draft a note to the Foreign Office accordingly.
W. S. C.