US: Despite clarification on passport issue, Britain will not allow entry for Iroquois

US says Britain will not allow Iroquois entry

WASHINGTON — The State Department says it failed to persuade the British government to allow an American Indian lacrosse team to enter Britain without U.S. or Canadian passports.

Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said U.S. officials discussed the matter with British officials Thursday.

He said it was made clear to the British officials that although the lacrosse team members would not be traveling on U.S. passports, they would be allowed to re-enter the U.S. when their visit to Britain was completed.

Nonetheless the British government decided to disallow entry for the team members, Crowley said. He described the decision as unsurprising, and he said both governments share the view that ultimately the Iroquois must have internationally recognized travel documents.