With the Fleets.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 255, 7 April 1915, Page 5

With the Fleets.

i. I f BRITAIN'S BLOCKADE. * s AMERICA ACCEPTS THE INEVITABLE. *v e I A TACTFUL NOTE. o London, April 5. Mr. Page, tine American Ambassador, Landed to Sir Edward Grey the American Note, emphasising that it is made in the most friendly spirit and in accordance with the uniform candour characterising the relations between the British and American Governments for a hundred years. The Note points out that the unprecedented feature of the 0 blockade is that it bars many neutral 11 ports as though tliey were ports of s Britain's enemies. The United States' I notes with gratification that wide dis- - cretion has been afforded the Prize Courts, apd confidently expects that fie powers given l>y Order-in-Council will be restricted by orders to the executive officers which will modify iri practical application those provisions which interrupt neutral legitimate trade. THE NOTE FAVORABLY RECEIVED. Received April 7, 12.15 a.m. London, April 0. The press cordially welcomes the Note and comments on its friendly tone. c The Daily News says the suggestion w concerning the passage of the cordon s will doubtless receive attention. The Daily Chronicle says the Allies c , could not, without destroying their pol- t icy, permit non-contral)and to reach y Germany through 'neutrals. n A PROTEST. | AN INVASION OF AMERICA'S SOVEREIGN RIGHTS.

Receiyed April 6, 5.5 p.m. London, April S.

Mr. Page, in his Note, points out a novel feature of Britain's blockade in placing neutrals under the same suspicion as an enemy. This is a distinct invasion of the sovereign rights of th? United States, which is not 'oblivious of the great changes in the conditions of naval warfare since the blockade rules were formulated, but "whatever form of blockade is adopted it should be easily practicable to provide a passage through the cordon without conflicting with belligerents' rights. If the course pursued by Britain's enemies proves tainted with illegality and disregard of the principles of war* sanctioned by enlightened nations, the United States does not suppose that Britain will taint her acts or justify them by similar practices. Received April 0, 6 p.m. London, April 5.

„ The American Note adds that if the Order-in-Council is carried out it will constitute a practical assertion of unlimited belligerent rights over neutval commerce and an almost unqualified denial of neutrals' sovereign rights. Tho belligerents had already been conceded the right of search, and capture if is contraband.

The Note assumes that Britain will not deny the right to transport innocent shipments to and from the United' States through neutral countries to belligerent territory. Hitherto Britain has not ques" tioned these rights. For America to admit such interference would be ;>n un-neutral act towards Britain's enemies. If Britain made such a claim it would be equivalent to setting at nought the principles for which she has consistently contended in the past.

CAUGTIT I?r OWN MINEFIELD.

RUSSIANS SOWING MINES.

Received April 7, 12.15 a.m. Copenhagen, April C. The German fleet was unable to return to the base after attacking Libau. -They were caught in their own minefield, -which was adrift. The fleet took refuge the islands of Gotsland and Oelaiul until the passage was cleared. Advices Stockholm state that the Russians have mined the southern Baltic, between Bornholm and Ruegen islands. ITALIAN STEAMER SUNK. PROBABLY BY GERMAN SUBMARINE. Received April 7, 12.15 a.m. Rome, April 6. The Italian steamer Luigi Parodi, from Baltimore, is regarded as lost. Newspapers attribute the loss to a German submarine in the Atlantic, and are of ,opinion that the Germans have not disclosed the attack, fearing Italy's anger. The crew's families have now been promised pensions.