America

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 9, 12 January 1915, Page 5

America

BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER'S DIGNIFIED REPLY. PRINCIPLE OF SEARCH FOR CONTRABAND AFFIRMED. ) T NITID PkEBB ASSOCIATION. London, January 10. Sir Edward Grey, in Ins interim re,piVj,..concurs with the principle enunciated by America that belligerents should not interfere with neutrals’ trade unless interference is necessary to the belligerents’ safety. Britain will endeavour to act within this principle, provided that America does not deny our right to interfere with contraband. Statistics are quoted, showing that New York’s exports to neutrals largely increased in November, 1914, as compared with November, 1913.’ . Sir Edward Grey suggests that the shrinkage of neutrals’ trade is due to the diminished purchasing power of the belligerents, rather than by Britain’s particular action. The huge increases of neutrals’ importation of American copper creates a strong presumption that the bulk of it is intended for the enemy’s use. Sir Edward Grey adds that he is prepared to admit that foodstuffs should not be interfered with unless intended for belligerent armies. _ America’s prohibition of the publication of shipping manifests for thirty days increased the difficulty of detecting ■contraband. The Government will gladly enter into an arrangement to avoid mistakes and will promptly recompense neutrals for improper detention. It was imperative for Britain to stop copper shipments not genuinely destined for neutrals. The Government has positive evidence that four Swedish consignments were destined for Germany. The British Government is unable to believe that- the United States would question the propriety of taking suspected cargoes to a prize court. In regard to foodstuffs Britain is unable to give any unconditional undertaking. In view of the enemies’ departure from the accepted rules of civilisation and humanity, and the uncertainty about such rules being violated in future, it was essential to bring to port all vessels suspected of carrying contraband. The Government had placed cotton on the free list, yet had received information that cottoncarrying ships had been specially selected to carry concealed contraband. The Note affirmed the intention to examine all such suspected vessels. It was impossible for Britain to permit the export of rubber to America unless the latter admitted Britain’s right to submit rubber cargoes exported from America to the prize court. There was a growing danger of neutrals contiguous to the enemy becoming a base of supplies for the enemy, and Britain would endeavour to prevent that danger by intercepting goods intended for the enemy without interfering with those which were bona fide for neutral countries.

FAVORABLE PRESS COMMENT. (Received 8.15 a.m.) New York, January 11. The morning papers comment favor, ably pn Sir E. Grey’s reply. The New York Herajd admits the order directing the manifests to be kept secret could hardly have any other effect than to arouse suspicion, PRESS COMMENT. London, January 11. The Times, in a leader, says: “Sir Edward Grey’s reply to the American Note seems excellent in substance and tone, and we feel confident that it will meet a frank reception across the Atlantic. It reserves rights vital for our defence, and we believe that this position will be understood and appreciated by the United States.”

DISSATISFACTION WITH REPLY. BRITAIN’S ALLEGED FAILURE. (Received 12.10 p.m.) Washington, January 11. The United States Government is dissatisfied with Sir E. Grey's answer to the Note on the contraband question. While gratified at Britain’s admission of the principles of international law as emphasised in the protest, the United States alleges that Britain has failed to make her practice square therewith, and it is proposed to take up individual cases in future, A GERMAN ADVOCATE.

WHAT WOULD SUIT KAISERDOM. (Received 8.55 a.m.) New York, January 11. Herr Dernberg advocates the cessation of the policy of sea domination which would secure a permanent peace. The fleets should he relegated to territorial waters and forbidden to traverse the high seas. The sending of troops to the territory of others or to neutralised parts of the world should be regarded as a casus belli. Herr Dern-

berg admitted that Germany was seeking to replace copper with alloys and other metals.