CONTRABAND OF WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 260, 7 November 1904, Page 2

CONTRABAND OF WAR.

QUESTION OF DEFINITION BY RUSSIA, A PLEA FOR HRITISH TRADE. LONDON, Nov. 4. Tha Marfliuess of Lansdowno (Secretary of State for Foreign- Aftaira) in a letter to a, London) commercial man, states that Russia, in a conciliatory manner, has conceded one of the most important principles for which Groat Britain had contended, henaeforuh regarding as conditional contraband rice and provisions mentioned in paragraph 10, rule 6 ; and also certain articles not enumerated in the paragraphs 1 Ito 9.

The Times complains that, except in regard to the foodstuffs lajuestion, the definition of corutraibaind remains vague and unslatisfactory. It is admitted that British commerce is suf-l fering, perhaps permanently, from this state of things, and Lord Lansdowne does not offer a prospect of a prompt and effective remedy. Lord Lansdowno states that he belioves in negard; to coal and cotton the new instructions to British commanders will hereafter be interpreted in a liberal spirit, and the enforcing of belligerent rights will be less rigidly and vexatiously carried out. Replying to inquiries Lord Lansdowno stated that British colliers had been forbidden to follow end supply the Hussion' Fleet now proceeding to thb East.