Charles R. Lowell to Granville Leveson-Gower, April 29, 1884

Mr. Lowell to Lord Granville.

My Lord: I have the honor to acquaint you that the Department of State at Washington has been informed that it is proposed by the legislative authority of the colony of Ceylon to levy a duty upon kerosene oil, heretofore free, to take effect upon the passage of the law, without excepting from its provisions kerosene oil then, in transit from the United States.

I am instructed to call your lordship’s attention to this matter, with the statement that the Government of the United States entertains the view that it is very desirable that sudden changes in colonial tariffs should not be allowed, to affect bona fide shipments en route at the time, and requests me to express the hope that the Imperial Government may be able to afford adequate relief to American shippers who may have been injuriously affected by the legislation of Ceylon.

I have, &c.,