AMERICA'S REPLY TO COUNT BERNSTORFF

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2443, 23 April 1915, Page 5

AMERICA'S REPLY TO COUNT BERNSTORFF

EXPORTATION OF ARMS FOR

THE ALLIES

Washington, April 21. Mr. W, J. Bryan, United States Secn.'tur.v ul Scixtc, replying to the memorandum from Count Bernstorff (German Ambassador) expressing regret at America's alleged infringements of neutrality by refusing" to stop importations of arms and ammunition to belligerents, states: "It is Germany's misfortune if she is unable to convey arms to her home ports; the United States is in no way responsible. Therefore, there is no par- :'' UI . nmtH regarding Mexico. Jf the United States prohibited exports to the Allies this would constitute a real breath ui liuiuaiU)'. • REBUKE TO THE COUNT. (Rec. April 23, 1.10 a.m.) Washington, April 22. Mr. Bryan,. in his reply to Count Bernstorff, regrets the language employed by tho latter in his memorandum. A susceptible being would have construed it as impugning American good faith. The Government would never yield any of its rights as a neutral to any belligerent. Mr. Bryan regrets the assumption that _ the American Government oould prohibit the sale and importation of arms to Germany's enemies. . Suoh a prohibition would be a direct violation of neutrality. Hence the Government was unable to oonsider the suggestion.

A most interesting examination of the whole aspect of America's neutrality in the war recently appeared in the London "Daily Chronicle," from the pen of Lord Bryce, sometime British Minister at Washington. On the vexed question of the exportation of munitions of war, Lord Bryce refused to believe that Washington was moved bv any consideration for the feelings of Wall Street. Ho said: "The controversy with Germany began by her complaining of the sale of ammunition by the United States traders to Great Britain and France. Well-ostahlish"d u.sage of nations permits that sale. So we argued in 1870; so the American Secretarv of State has argued now, ruling the point in favour of the Allies with a clearness and cogency that emild not be improved_ upon. The proGermans have complained of it as far too friendly to Great Britain. If it is suggested, as. I think 'it has been somewhere; that in the matter of contraband and right of search powerful pecuniary interests have tried to influence the Administration, those who have watched the recent developments in America will agree tliat notliimr is so unpopular there as what is called 'big business,' and that anv Administration, supposed to be yielding to its pressure, would do so at its peril."