Violations of Neutrality Zones

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 302, 22 December 1939, Page 6

Violations of Neutrality Zones

Pan-Americans Issue Warning MAY TAKE MORE THAN DIPLOMATIC ACTION United Preas Association—B.v Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Thursday, 9.20 p.m. WASHINGTON, Dec. 21. A joint declaration accusing European belligerents of repeutedly violating the western hemisphere neutrality zone and a warning against future violations is being prepared by the 21 republics in join diplomatic consultation. The president of Panama will communicate the declaration wnicli will contain a clear cut indication that the Americau Republics will be forced in future to take more than diplomatic action to sec that the zone is respected. It also states that tho republics are lurther consulting on a common policy regarding belligerent warships entering their ports. The State Department sent a circular communication to Latin American countries concerning the declaration and obtaining their views, although it is understood the United States did not initiate the declaration. Mr. Cordell Hull, at a press conference, expressed tho opinion that t*he steps the American Republics are taking would bring the matter of the neutrality zone to a head. The Washington correspondent of the New York Times, supplementing the joint Pan-American protests to Britain, France and Germauv, says the United States is almost certainly sending a strong Note to Germany requesting a reply to the recent Note which advised the establishment of a neutrality belt and demanding observance. Britain and France replied to the Note favourably but conditionally on what Germany would do, but Germany, despite informal promptings, has not replied. If the approach fails the cutting off of supplies to vessel of nations ignoring the belt is likely to be discussed.