SIR EDWARD GREY'S REPLY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2356, 12 January 1915, Page 5

SIR EDWARD GREY'S REPLY

TO THE AMERICAN NOTE

BRITAIN'S RIGHT TO SEARCH

(Roc. January 11, 8.15 p.m.)

London, January 10.

Sir Edward Grey's interim reply to the American Rote adds that Britain was prepared to admit tliat foodstuffs should not be interfered with unless intonded for belligerent armies. America's prohibition of the publication of shipping manifests for thirty days had increased the difficulty of detecting contraband. His Government would gladly enter into an arrangement to avoid mistakes, and would promptly recompense neutrals for improper detention.

It was imperative, he continued, that Britain, should stop copper shipments not genuinely destined for neutrals. His Government had positive evidence that four Swedish consignments were destined for Germany. He was unable to believe that the United States Government would . question the propriety of taking suspected cargoes to a Prize Court. .

In regard to foodstuffs he was unable to give .an unconditional undertaking in view of the enemy's departure from the accepted rules of civilisation and humanity, and the uncertainty about such rules being violated in the future. It was essential to bring into port all vessels suspected of carrying contraband. The Government had placed cotton on the free list, and yet had received information that cotton was being carried on ships specially seleoted to carry concealed contraband. He affirmed Britain's intention to examine such suspected vessels. It was impossible for Britain to permit the export of rubber to America unless the latter country admitted Britain' 3 right to submit rubber cargoes exported, from America to a Prize Court.

There was a growing danger that neutral countries contiguous to the enemy were becoming a base of supplies for the enemy. Britain would endeavour to prevent that danger by intercepting goods intended for the enemy, without interfering with those which were, bona fide, destined for neutral countries.

: Tlie reply concurs in the principle enunciated by America that belligerents should not interfere with neutrals's trade unless interference was necessary to the belligerents' safety. Britain would endeavour to act_ within this principle, provided America did not deny our right to interfere with contraband. •

Statistics were quoted, showing that New York's exports to_ neutrals had largely increased during November,1914, as compared with November, 1913. Sir Edward Grey suggests that the shrinkage in neutralsV trade is due to the diminished purchasing power of the belligerents, rather than to Britain's particular action. "The huge increases in. neutrals's importation of American copper creates a strong presumption that the bulk of it is intended for the enemy's use." COMMENT BY "THE TIMES." (Reo. January 11, 11.30 p.m.) London, : January 11. "The Times," in a leading article, says that Sir Edward Grey's reply to the American Note seems excellent in substance and tone. "We feel confident that it has met with a friendly reception across the Atlantic The reply reserves a right which is vital for our defence, and we believe that this position will be understood and appreciated in the United States." •