BRITAIN’S CONTRABAND POLICY

Evening Star, Issue 23372, 15 September 1939, Page 9

BRITAIN’S CONTRABAND POLICY

POSITION OF NEUTRALS A STRAIGHTFORWARD STATEMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 14. (Received September 15, at 11 a.m.) German propaganda is already being directed to threatening neutral countries, who are told in plain terms what Germany regards as neutral and what is unneutral conduct. The German wireless has distorted the purpose of the British contraband policy as setting out to strangle neutral trade and bringing starvation and death to old people, women, and children in neutral countries. Britain does not seek to dictate to any neutral Government. She has already categorically declared that she will do all in her power to facilitate bona fide neutral trade. It is in no sense her policy to wish to damage the economy of neutral countries with whom she is anxious to maintain the friendliest relations, and no attempt is being made in any way to prevent the normal importation into neutral countries of foodstuffs and other goods and material destined for their own consumption. What Britain is endeavouring to do is to prevent the German Government from importing goods and material which will enable it to prolong the war. For this purpose a proclamation was issued on September 3 indicating the classes of goods to be treated as contraband and following closely a notice issued by the United States Government in the last war. It is the object of the British contraband control system to prevent cargoes of contraband from being imported to Germany whether directly or through neutral countries. Already large quantities of contraband have been stopped and prevented from reaching the enemy. Neutral countries will be able to judge for themselves from what quarter there is any threat to their neutrality, whether it be from the openly proclaimed contraband control policy of the Allies or from the submarine campaign and thinly veiled menaces emanating from Germany. HITLER ANGERED BRITAIN'S CONTRABAND MEASURES UNRESTRICTED RETALIATORY CAMPAIGN LONDON, September 14. (Received September 10, at 1 p.m.) The Berlin correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain states that the British contraband declaration angered Herr Hitler and his advisers, whose retaliatory . list is designed to prevent food commodities from reaching England, France, and Canada. The Wilhelmstrasse emphasises that it will not be restricted to submarine warfare, like sinking on sight, hut neutrals will be stopped and searched, and, if carrying contraband, will be sunk after being warned. If they seek to evade a search they will be sunk summarily. DUKE OF WINDSOR FIRST MEETING WITH KING LONDON, September 14. (Received September 15, at 9.15 a.m.) The Duke of Windsor called on the King, their first meeting for three years. THE KING AND QUEEN VISIT TO LONDON DOCKS (British Official. Wireless.) RUGBY, September 14. (Received September 15, at 11 a.m.) The King, as Master of the Merchant Navy, and the Queen visited London docks. ALLEGIANCE TO BRITAIN IRAQ SEVERS RELATIONS WITH GERMANY (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 14. (Received September 15, at noon.) Mr Butler, in the House of Commons, said Iraq had made it clear that it was prepared to carry out its treaty obligations both in the letter and in the spirit. It had severed relations with Germany, and had taken various precautionary measures which were regarded by Britain as most satisfactory. JEWS IN LATVIA INVITATION FROM NAZI GERMANY RIGA, September 14. (Received September 15, at,,,11 a.m.) The German Consulate is seeking to persuade German Jews in Latvia to return to the Reich. HUMANE WARFARE POPE'S UNREMITTING EFFORTS ROME, September 14. (Received September 15, at 10 a.m.) The Pope, in receiving the new Belgian Ambassador, declared that he would do his utmost to restrain belligerent nations within the bounds of humane warfare till the time came of effecting an honourable peace for all.