America

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 183, 12 January 1915, Page 5

America

THE CONTRABAND QUESTION. BRITAIN'S REPLY TO THE NOTE. SOME STRIKING STATISTICS. AND A FAIR ASSUMPTION. Received 11, 5.5 p.m. London, January 111. Sir Edward <!rey, in liis interim reply, 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 tluit New Yorks' oxports to neutrals largely increased >n November, H)l4, as compared with November, 1013.'

Sir Edward (irey 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

BRITAIN'S ATTITUDE FURTHER EXPLAINED. AMKRK'A SUPPLYING THE ENEMY. Received 11, 5.15 p.m. London, January 10. Sir Edward Grey's interim reply to America adds that lie is prepared t.o admit tliat 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 v, ill gladly enter into an arrangement to avoid mistakes and will promptly recompense neutrals for improper dtten-1 tion. It was imperative for Britain to stop copper shipments not genuinely destined for neutrals. The Government has positive evidence that four Swedish consignments wciv 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. Iu 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 bad placed cotton cn the free list, yet had received information that cotton-carrying ships had been specially selected to carry concealed contraband. The Noto affirmed the intentio nto 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.

"NOTHING GRANDER." THAN BRITISH WOMEN'S ATTITUDE. DEVIL OF MILITARISM MUST BR VANQUISHED. New Yqf'k, January 10. Mr Clioate, formerly United States Ambassador to Britain, in a speech, said that Britain was determined never to submit or yield and never to make peace until the devil of militarism was so vanquished that lie would never trouble the earth again. The British courage, spirit, and hope was magnificent. There was nothing grasder than the attitude of their wives and daughters towards the war, THE EMBARGO ON WOOL. AMERICAN MERCHANTS TAKE RISKS. Washington, January 10 Regarding Great Britain's notification that the embargo on Australian woo might be restored, the Government an that they could not further object if Americans continue to seek to supply Germany with woollen goods. THE TIMES' OPINION. Received 11, 11.30 p.m. 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 feci confident that it will meet a frankly 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."