Refuse in all cases.
If the master signed “clean” bills of lading where they were not justified he would become party to a fraud (by the shipper or carrier or both) on the consignee or another innocent third party to whom the bill of lading may be endorsed, and the owners’ P&I club would not cover any claim arising in connection with the matter. On no account should the master issue clean bills of lading in return for a letter of indemnity in these circumstances.
