America.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 59, 8 November 1915, Page 5

America.

TRADE INTERFERENCE. j 1 WHERE THE BLOCKADE HURTS. ; AMERICAN NOTE TO BRITAIN, j “CHAMPION OF NEUTRAL RIGHTS.” United Press Association. (Received 8.50 a.m.) London. November 7. The American Note regarding interference with trade reminds British Government iliat she promised to minimise inconveniences and ieyrot is expressed that she had not done so, hut instead, the interior- ‘ enees had become vexations. r J hree j complaints are made. Firstly, the taking of vessels to ; port for search by the leading Powers j before the war was not contemplated. This is a practice which results in innocent vessels and cargoes being detained on mere suspicion, and causes America much loss ol iiade. America does not accept' the Biitish presumption that where imports to enemy or neutral neighbours increase, j the goods are intended for re-export to the enemy. This is a presumption, fundamentally unjust, and offers too great opportunities for abuse. America denounces it as an illegal and unjustifiable attempt to interfere with trade because the belligerent suspects the imports are intended to replace goods sold to the enemy, that is a matter with which the neutral vendor is not concerned. Secondly, concerning the blockade. American commercial interests uro hampered by the new consignment to corporations in neutral countries. • America was formerly inclined to accept the so-called blockade under an .Order-in-Council of March 11. hut in the circumstances which have now developed she cannot longer permit it to remain unchanged. The blockade is neither effective nor impartial, because Scandinavia continues to trade with Germany. Finally, there is no better settled principle in tbe Law of Nations than that forbidding the blockade of neutral ports, and the reasons for the blockade cannot be regarded, as legal. Thirdly, as to the Prize Courts, tlfese are {fevered by restrictions contravening International Law. More-, bv£r J Hhe'Wize Courts cannot repair tliV injury due to the delay and the, expense in bringing the vessel to port, and the fear of. being interfered with. ‘ America views ivith alarm the British attempt to use all illegal force to bring' Neutral vessels to port, thereafter subjecting them to British international law. The Note concludes: “America cannot complacently suffer further subordination of its rights ant? interests on the plea that its exceptional geographical position to the British and the enemy requires or justifies the illegal practice. America insists that Britain shall conform to International Law, ami unhesitatingly assumes the task of championing Neutral rights, to which it will impartially devote its energies.”

PRO-CERMAN WORK IN NEW YORK. _____ New York, November G. An attempt was made to blow up the Italian Consulate. It was made by pro-German sympathisers. The Italian Consul and officials escaped, although the adjoining building was wrecked. A score of Italian reservists narrowly escaped death, many being thrown to the ground by the explosion. This is the third outrage against the Italian Consulate within twelve, months.