Frank L. Polk to Robert Lansing

DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON

My dear Mr. Lansing

There is being transmitted herewith a copy of a communication recently received from the Commercial Cable Company calling attention to the serious condition of affairs resulting from damage inflicted by fishing trawlers upon the Atlantic cables.

It would appear that the danger of damage to cables will be very much aggravated in the immediate future as the result of fishing trawlers operating upon a larger scale than was the case during the war. The matter is being laid before you in order that you may take such action by conference with representatives of Governments concerned or otherwise as is deemed desirable.In this connection it is pertinent to add that there are many other matters having to do with the operation of cables that should receive international consideration and adjustment. In a word the time would seem to be ripe when the whole subject of the ownership and operation of submarine cables should be passed upon by an interational body.

I am, my deqar Mr. Lansing,