Private Law 67–321

That the claim of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line (Limited), owner of the British steamer Port Phillip against the United States for damages and loss alleged to have been caused by the collision of said vessel with the United States steam collier Proteus in New York harbor on October 16, 1918, may be sued for by the said owner of the British steamer Port Phillip in the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of New York, sitting as a court of admiralty and acting under the rules governing such court; and said

Jurisdiction of court.

court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine such suit to the extent only of such damages suffered other than claims for demurrage to said vessel and to enter a judgment or decree for the amount of such damages and costs, if any, as shall be found to be due against the United States in favor of the owner of the British steamer Port Phillip or against said owner in favor of the United States, upon the same principles and measures of liability as in like cases in admiralty between private parties and with the same rights of appeal: Provided, That such notice of the suit shall be given to

Provisos.

Notice, etc.

the Attorney General of the United States as may be provided by order of the said court, and it shall be the duty of the Attorney General to cause the United States attorney in such district to appear and defend for the United States: Provided further, That said

Commencement of suit.

suit shall be brought and commenced within four months of the date of the passage of this Act.