RIGHT OF SEARCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16749, 2 January 1915, Page 9

RIGHT OF SEARCH.

COMPLAINTS AGAINST JAPAN.

STIR IN UNITED STATES.

By Telegraph —Press Association—Copyright, " Time* ” and Sydney " Sun " Services. WASHINGTON, December 31.

Charges that Japan is treating Pacific Coast shipping in a similar manner regarding contraband as Great Britain have been made before the Congressional Shipping Committee.

Several companies alleged that Japan is holding their vessels and searching them on the high seas. Representative Towner urged Congress to empower President Wilson 1o prohibit the exportation of all supplies,

A LEGAL VIEW. LONDON, Deeembor 31. “ The Times’s ” legal correspondent, commenting on the American Note, savs - “No war lasts long without some friction between belligerents and neutrals Especially if there are operations’ on sea and land, the rights and duties of the two parties can scarcely foil to conflict on some points. Between Great Bntnm and the United taotoq special bonds exist. Both have o+rinffpnt Foreign Enlistment Acts, TWh qcn-ee to tho duties of neutrals under Sc Washington treaty. ' Both

promised to bring these duties under tho notice of other States. “Undoubtedly, the right to soiircli causes inconvenience, especially in these days when vessels often carry general cargoes of prodigious variety, stowed scientifically by expert stevedores, necessitating prolonged, if it is to be an effective, search.” TERMS OF NOTE. A THREATENING TONE. (Received January 1, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 31. President Wilson’s Note is almost more eoinminatory than tlie summaries indicated. It apprehends that unless trade with neutrals improves, the feeling aroused will he contrary to that which long has existed between America and Britain. AMBASSADORS ASSURANCES'. “ MADE IN THE FRIENDLIEST SPIRIT.” LONDON, January 1. The United States Ambassador, in a brief covering letter, assured Sir Edward Grey that President Wilson’s representations were mado in the friendliest spirit. Tho Noto states that Britain’s present policy exceeds the manifest necessity of belligerents and constitutes restrictions of American citizens’ rights on the high seas not justified by the rules of international law nor required under the principle of self-preservation. It declares that belligerents ought not to interfere with' commerce between neutrals unless there is imperative necessity to protect national safety, and then only to the extent of necessity. 'Tlie Note states: —“There is an increasing belief, doubtless not entirely unjustified, that Britain’s present policy towards American trade is responsible for depression in. certain industries dependent on European markets.” Tho Foreign Office announces that Sir Edward Grey’s reply will be drafted in tho same friendly spirit as President Wilson’s Note. PARIS NEWSPAPER’S VIEW. PARIS, January 1. _“L© Temps,” commenting on the Note, says that the discovery of the Italian plot justifies tho Allies’ strictness of searching. “We may consider means to regulate the exercise of tho right,” it says, “but cannot refrain from applying it to a full extent.”

SEIZED CARGOES. NEW YORK, January 1. Senator Walsh, in a friendly speech, stated that Britain had detained thirty-one ships, carrying 19,350 tons of American oopper, and seized the cargoes as contraband.

SWEDISH PREMIER’S VIEW. (Received January 2, 12.5 a.m.) LONDON, January 1

Tire “ Daily Mail ” has received messages from European statesmen. Herr Hammarskjold, the Swedish Premier, telegraphed: “ The necessities of war nro invoked by both belligerent sides to justify a series of measures contrary to tho law of nations and. neutrals’ rights. Tb is desirable that such a pernicious doctrine should be universally stigmatised and abandoned.”

AMERICA’S LOST TRADE. DIMINUTION IN EXPORTS. LONDON, January 1. United States exports decreased by £76,000,(XX) in Novembor as the result of the war. Germany’s consumption of United States goods in November was £BOOO, compared with nearly ten millions in the previous November. A SUGGESTED ARRANGEMENT. AMERICAN AUTHORITIES TO INSPECT CARGOES. (Received January 2, 12.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, January 1. Tho newspapers suggest an arrangement by which the Washington authorities should inspect cargoes and issue certificates of innocence or immunity from search or seizure.