AMERICA AND THE BRITISH BLOCKADE DECREE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2413, 19 March 1915, Page 5

AMERICA AND THE BRITISH BLOCKADE DECREE

SIR EDWARD GREY'S NOTE IN REPLY >m , . r » . j . i T London, March 17. The test of Americas Identical Nolo to Britain .and Germanv has been published. It conforms the suggestions previously referred to. America explains that she has taken the liberty to make suggestions as a sincere friend, with the nope of serving the interests of humanity. Sir Edward- Gw (British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs), in his reply, states that as Germany s answer jo the Note does not indicate a willingness to abandon .submarine attacks on merchant men or the use of mine? tbo high seas, it appear? unnecessary for Britain la make; vnv" ftirthci- ffply than to tike note of Germany's answeii

Sir Edward Grey sympathises with America's desire to see the war conducted according to the rules of international law and tho dictates of humanitv- Britain has thus conducted the war, but on the German side it has been different. He quotes the treatment accorded to Belgian civilians and tho barbarous treatment of British prisoners en roUto to Germany. Sir Edward refors also to the sinking of merchantmen, tlie sinking of tho vessel William Frye, and tho raids on the East Coast of Britain. He admits that Britain anchored mines in tho high seas long after the Germans had adopted the practice, but tlie English mines were harmless if adrift. The British Slinister quotes Bismarck on tho question of the stoppage of non-combatants 1 food, and says that, therefore, the practice was presumably not repugnant to German morality. Replying to tho inquiry of the United States Ambassador in London (Sir. Page) as to how neutrals could avoid dangers under the blockade, Sir Edward Grey explains that Britain aims to minimise the inconvenience to neutrals, and refrains from the confiscation of ships' cargoes. Every regard, he says, will be shown to the American cotton trade. Britain also will not interfere with neutrals carrying enemy's non-contraband outside European waters. PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION ON THE BLOCKADE. (Rec. March 18, 5.15 p.m.) London, Slarch 17. Ths Navy League considers that Britain's retaliatory proposals with retard to the blockade aro satisfactory, sober, and moderate. Neutrals are receiving every consideration, and the enemy will properly receive treatment which, considering the piracies, neither Germany nor her friends have a right to expect.. Tho Navy's programme is now clear and definite. Our warships., in dealing with merchantmen, have been relieved of tho legal technicalities which hitherto have been involved in the search examination. Paris papers urge that the blockade should be extended to Austria and Turkey.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.)