GERMAN EXPORTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 November 1939, Page 5

GERMAN EXPORTS

BRITISH SEIZURE PLANS REGARD PAID TO INTERESTS OF NEUTRALS. CONSIDERATION OF NOTES. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, November 27. With the publication tomorrow of the Order-in-Council authorising- the seizure of German exports in neutral ships, it will be found that the closest regard has been paid to the legitimate interests of neutrals. The date of operation of the order has not yet been disclosed. A full explanation will accompany the order, and meanwhile it can be reaffirmed that the British Government is concerned to act in such a manner as will involve a minimum of interference with neutral interests, while at the same time taking the most adequate measures within their power to penalise Germany for her wanton and illegal methods of warfare, which have shown complete disregard alike of belligerents and neutral countries. Representations have now been received at the Foreign Office regarding the Government’s decision from the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Japan. Representatives of these four Powers left written Notes. The Italian Ambassador, in addition, made a verbal representation. Referring to the visits of the Italian and Japanese Ambassadors, newspapers point out that in the last war both Italy and Japan, then Allies of Britain, accepted without demur the Order-in-Council of February 16, 1917, authorising the confiscation of German exports carried in German vessels. “The Times” says Italy has not protested against the Order-in-Council. but has drawn attention to criticism of the control at Gibraltar. Russia, Amerfca, and Norway have not expressed their views officially, though the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Professor Koht, says that’Norway is making representations to London on lines similar to those of Denmark and Sweden. A Washington report says the Ger-man-American Chamber of Commerce has protested to the State Department against the British blockade of exports, after which the Secretary of State, Mr Hull, at a Press conference said the United States reserved its rights in international law in all matters pertaining to the war, including the British blockade, but action was unlikely to be taken except in a case of specific damage to American shippers. Daventry reports that the Order-in-Council issued in London last night, dealing with the seizure of German exports in neutral ships will come into' force on the same date as the French 1 decree, December 4. FRENCH DECREE EFFECTIVE ON DECEMBER -1. The French decree placing an embargo on German exports, which corresponds with the British Order-in-Council, has been signed by President. Lebrun, a radio message reports. The decree, as with the Order-in-Council, does not come into effect till December 4. The object of this is to give neutral countries as much time as was deemed possible to make whatever arrangements they deemed necessary.