Massey Contests the Sinking of the I'm Alone

American efforts to stop liquor smuggling repeatedly brought the Coast Guard into contact with foreign vessels operating beyond the coast. [1] [2]

After the United States Coast Guard sank the Canadian schooner I'm Alone in the Gulf of Mexico on 22 March 1929, Vincent Massey carried Canada's protest to the State Department. His note of 9 April acknowledged the vessel's history of liquor smuggling. He nevertheless argued that the pursuit and sinking exceeded the authority granted by the 1924 liquor treaty and endangered the freedom of navigation on the high seas. [1]

The treaty allowed American enforcement beyond ordinary territorial waters, within a distance measured by one hour's sailing. Canada and the United States disputed the schooner's speed and position when the chase began. Washington defended continued pursuit and the force used after the captain repeatedly refused to stop. In his reply to Massey, Secretary of State Henry Stimson also acknowledged Canada's right to make representations despite the ship's illegal trade and praised its cooperation against smuggling. [1] [2]

The dispute went to two commissioners, who concluded in their final report of 5 January 1935 that the intentional sinking was unlawful. They recommended an apology and $25,000 to the Canadian government, as well as payments for the captain and crew. They recommended no compensation for the ship or cargo because its beneficial ownership and operation lay with an American smuggling group. [3]

Related Diplomats

1. Vincent Massey [1] [2]

Related Reading

• Canada and the United States
• Canada