CLOSE REGARD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 28 November 1939, Page 7

CLOSE REGARD

NEUTRAL STATES INTERESTS AT SEA WATCH BY BRITAIN REPRISAL METHOD NAZI MINE-SOWING (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn ) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 11 a.m. RUGBY, Nov. 27. With the publication to-morrow of the Order-in-Council carrying out the decision of the British Government to meet the German tactics of sowing mines on trade routes by declaring German exports carried by neutral vessels to be liable to seizure, it will be found that the closest regard has been paid to the legitimate interests of neutrals.

The date of the operation of the order has not yet been disclosed. A full explanation will accompany the order and in the meanwhile it can be reaffirmed that the British Government is concerned to act in such a manner as will involve the minimum of interference with neutral interests, while at the same time taking the most adequate measures within its power to penalise Germany for her wanton, illegal methods of warfare which have shown complete disregard alike of belligerents and neutral countries.

Referring to visits paid by the Italian and Japanese Ambassadors to the Foreign Office to make representations concerning the British plans, newspapers point out that in the last war both Italy and Japan, then Allies of Britain, accepted without demur the Order-in-Council of February 16. 1917. authorising the confiscation of German exports carried in neutral vessels.

The Brussels correspondent of The Times says that the Belgian Government note being presented to-day in London and Paris, gives details of the economic losses entailed by the export control plan. The note expresses the hope that an understanding will be reached.