NEUTRALITY ZONE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20129, 26 December 1939, Page 6

NEUTRALITY ZONE

PAN-AMERICAN ACTION BELLIGERENT WARSHIPS PENALTIES IMPOSED SWIFT TEST POSSIBLE (E)ec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 20, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 23. The Pan-American States have protested to Britain, France and Germany against the violation of the neutrality zone, and have announced the beginning of negotiations to strengthen Pan-America’s neutrality, including an Agreement to prevent belligerent warships refuelling and carrying out repairs in American ports after committing warlike acts Within tinzone. The protest cites the Uruguayan battle, and refers to reliable reports that the Graf von Spee was pursuing tlie merchantman Formose when overhauled and also to the British sinking and detention of German merchantmen in American waters. The German liner Columbus is not mentioned. The Washington correspondent of the United Press of America says that the State Department explains the proposals to punish offending belligerents and refers only to individual warcraft. The penalty would not be extended beyond individuals, neither would ships known to have violated the safety zone be penalised for past infractions. Possible Swift Test The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says that the dcctrine might :be swiftly tested if there was truth in Germany's reported determination" to have merchantman now tied up jn American ports attempt to run the British and French blockade. Over 70 German merchantmen remain in Chilian, Mexican, Brazilian and other ports.

The correspondent adds that the proposed refusal of the right of entry Oi belligerent violators is a middle course between actual policing neutral waters and merely writing protests.

A Buenos Aires message states that the German ambassador has formally protested to the Argentine Government against the internment of the Graf von Spee’s crew, after which he conferred with the Ministry of the Interior regarding the details of internment. Uruguayan View

It is reported from Montevideo that Uruguay’s reply to the German protest regarding the Gral' von Spee contends that Uruguay, adhered to the Hague Convention of .1907, and Uruguay's neutrality decree of September 5. A message from Montevideo states that Dr. Alberto Guani, Uruguayan Foreign Minister, has postponed action regarding the Tacoma, despite earlier authoritative statements that the vessel is being interned. He may not act until after Christmas. Meanwhile the Tacoma remains detained and guarded. The Montevideo correspondent of the New York Times says that Uruguay has decided at the last minute not to issue an internment decree in regard to the Tacoma.