BRITISH CRUISERS OFF AMERICAN COAST

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2906, 19 October 1916, Page 5

BRITISH CRUISERS OFF AMERICAN COAST

OUR RIGHT OF PATROL

DISCUSSION IN.HOUSE OF

COMMONS. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. (Rec. October 18, 10.35 p.m.) London, October 18. In the House of Lords, Lord Charles Beresford asked whether tlie United States Government had raised objections to British cruisers patrolling the American coast, whether our cruiser® had been removed in consequence of any objection, and what steps the British Government was taking to prevent submarines sinking our,.traders. Viscount Grey (Secretary of State for 'Foreign Affairs) read a memorandum! on the subject of the American protest against British warships patrolling the coast, showing that Americadid not objcct to the practice on the ground of illegality, but as onfi_ likely to cause unfriendliness and irritations Viscount Grey said that although Brit-: aia had contended that according to" International Law our'ships were entitled to operate freely anywhere outside American territorial. waters, instructions had been sent to our warships to meet the views of the United States Government as far as possible. The Government had impressed upon; the British commanders- the ■ request that they should commit no act which; might be liable to cause -unnecessary irritation.

Earl Grey asked whether it was t-ruo that tho commanders of an American destroyer acceded to the request of U53 to clear out of the way so that the submarino should havo' room to. blow up the merchant ship.

Viscount Grey replied, tliat he tad no official information, on tlie subject. He assumed that the United States was inquiring into tlie matter. The issues involved -were of tho most important land, and until tho full facts were known, he could not state whether it would be necessary to make official representations to the United States. The House then, adjourned.