AMERICA'S NOTE TO BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2346, 31 December 1914, Page 5

AMERICA'S NOTE TO BRITAIN

FRIENDLY IN TONE BUT VERY FRANK AN' EARLY IMPROVEMENT DEMANDED London 1 , December 29. ~ r A' Eeuter message states that the Washington Note cites numerous cases of detention and seizure, and warns Britain and France that much feeling has been aroused by what is characterised as unwarrantable interference with legitimate trade. Complaints from evory side hold that the British policy is responsible .for the depression in many American industries. Reimbursement for unlawful detention and seizure would not alone remedy tho evil, as the chief difficulty is the moral effect on exporters who wore restrained from taking risks. The Government is compelled to „ask for definite information in order to take measures to protect American rights." The Government was 'patient at the outbreak of the war, but there lias been no improvement in five months, although shippers adopted Britain's various suggestions. The British Fleet did not differentiate between absoluto and conditional contraband. ' The' Note quotes Lord Salisbury's doctrine regarding foodstuffs, shipped to the Transvaal during the Boer War, which was contraband only if supplied to tho enemy's forces. The Government cannot tolerate undue delays in examining and diverting ships into belligerent ports merely on suspicion. Proof of hostile destination must be in evidence at the time of search. Tho Note charges Britain with detaining American copper consignments for. Italy, while Scandinavian consignments wero unmolested. The burden of proof must bo imposed on belligerents. Tho Nolo refers to Britain's high principles in tho past in championing the freedom of tho seas, and makes tho protest in a friendly spirit, but considers it best to bo-frank, lost silence bo considered an acquiescence in tho infringement of American rights. Rstttsr'ii Agency stateii that Americft.has demanded an early improvement in the British Float's treatment of American gommßieo,

AN AMERICAN'S WARNING TO AMERICANS. Washington, December 29. Air. Poultnoy Bigolow, tbe well-known author, through the Press, warns America that if ..Germany wins in the present war she is sure to create trouble in the South American Ropublios, where thousands of Germans aro now living. Germany's persistent ridicule of the Monroo Doctrine is based on a desire to ignoro and dispute it at the first opportunity, once Britain's support thereof is demolished. Evon if Germany is defeated she is sure to cherish revengo, and will probably seek expansion in South America as a set-off to her defeats in Europe and the loss of her colonies in Africa and the Pacific. Before America would havo time to think, Germany's flap; could easily bo planted in South America. German submarines, he says, havo been studying marine geology, throughout the West Indies. Mr. Bigelow recalls how Britain threw neutrality to the winds when Admiral Dewey was menaced in tho Far East in 1898 by German naval forces. Britain prevented Germany from bullying the United States into evacuating tile Philippines,' and Britain had stood between tho United States and Germany over since. Mr. Bigolow urges the United States to participate in the present struggle in order that the Monroe Doctrine shall become part of tho world-public law. ABSOLUTELY HONEST MANIFESTS-NEEDED. (Rec. December 30, 9 p.m.) ' ' , . , . i • Washington, December 30. inferring to'the Note concerning neutral trade, President Wilson intimates that he would be able to deal confidentially in the matter of contraband only if supported by absolutely honest, manifests. Great embarrassment, is caused to the Government because some shippers concealed contraband in cargoes of non-contraband articles, for example, under cotton. As long as there were instances of that kind suspicion would be oast on every shipment, and all cargoes would be liable to search. COMMENT BY AMERICAN PAPERS. (Rec. December 80, 9.55 pjnj ' . , '' xt v , . London, December SO. New York evening papers commont on the Note, but the "Sun" warns rii? s en ? mies tnat tno Not e does not indicate hostility to England. The "Daily Telegraph's" Washington correspondent says President Wilson s whole idea in protesting was to lay the foundation for indemnities at tho close of the war; .in the meanwhile the United States will ■.continue- to file protests against each seizure, diversion, or detention.. MERELY PLAYING TO THE GALLERY.- . (Rec. December 30, 10.30 p.m.) •_ . .» „,. ~. ' , „ -, , . Washington, December 30. , inei Cabinet discussed the whole question of the Note sent to Britain and promised the South American diplomats copies', owing to the interests of the .Republics in the question. Non-official quarters hotly dlscusßed reprisals against Britain. . Some Congressmen have suggested an embargo against shipment to the Allies of pro--I°'? t\ • Umted states considered legitimate articles of trade, but which Britain and Prance have refused to allow to reach the enemy. Sir Cecil Spring Rice (British Ambassador) has refused to comment on the clay's developments. I The Press is vigorously disoussing the question, and interest therein is overshadowing the war. '_ German sympathisers in the Press urge the United States to- take the strongest • possible action against Britain. . ■ ■ i ir "'-a i ■ l-l ,r--i , T l- ■■■ - Ottawa, December 30. Mr. Aylesworth, es-Mmister of Justice, opines that the United States' . action is merely playing to the gallery. The whole question has, probably been settled. already between Britain'and tho United States, but the latter is obliged to do something to satisfy the. powerful interests affected. BRITISH PAPERS RELY ON AMERICAN FAIRNESS. (Rec. December 31, 0.55 a.m.) ■ -. v ■ London, December 30. Awaiting the text of President Wilson's Note, and accepting the assurance of its friendly tone throughout, tho newspapers rely on the fairness of American opinion to ensure a common-sense adjustment of an admittedly thorny question in a spirit of, mutual goodwill. After remarking that American newspapers had consistently grasped the fundamental fact that the ideal for. which we were, fighting is theirs, no less .than ours. The "Times" confidently anticipates >a modus vivendi will bo found which while in accordance with the -principle of international law, will meet the truly unprecedented features of this war, and enable us to exercise to tho uttermost all legitimate means of'coercion against th'e enemy.