§ 24. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to make a further statement with reference to the accident in which the British steamer "Isle of June" was refused clearance by the United States authorities from Miami, Florida?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has been informed by the United States Government that at 5.45 a.m. on the 5th of March the officer in command of the United States coastguard cutter "Cassin" identified the "Isle of June" heading towards Miami. Inasmuch as the "Isle of June" is listed as a vessel suspected by the United States authorities of being engaged in the illicit liquor trade, she was followed by the cutter "Cassin," whose commanding officer ordered the master of the "Isle of June" to stop at 8.13 a.m., by which time he is declared to have reached a point some two and a-half miles from the shore. This, Captain Wheeler refused to do. The "Isle of June" was subsequently refused clearance under Section 594 of the United States Tariff Act of 1922, which lays down, inter alia, that a ship may be detained if the person in charge of her violates the Customs and Revenue Laws. The vessel in question was released from custody on the 14th of March following the payment of the fine levied upon Captain Wheeler for obstructing and restraining a revenue officer of the United States in the execution of his duty and of brandishing a firearm when the vessel was boarded by revenue officers after arrival in port.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any illicit wines or spirits were found on this ship?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, I think not, Sir.