NOTE OF PROTEST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 March 1940, Page 6

NOTE OF PROTEST

ADDRESSED TO BRITAIN BY ITALY AGAINST STOPPAGE OP COAL SUPPLIES. PLEA OF ABSOLUTE NECESSITY. By Trlegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Dav. 9.35 a.m.) ROME. March 4. The text of the Note to Britain, which has now been published, argues that the British decision to seize German's seaborne coal exports to Italy is contrary to the letter and spirit of international law. The Note describes the British control of neutral shipping as often vexatious, causing serious losses to the trade and industry of nonbelligerent States. The Note complains that virtually no distinction is made between absolute and conditional contraband. Moreover the interception of mails on lhe high seas and measures for the control of , correspondence violate the secrecy of mails, which is guaranteed by the Hague Convention of 1907. The coal supplies which Britain now proposes to cut off are an absolute necessity in the life of the Italian people, so that the British action is likely to disturb the compromise in economic and political relations established by the ItaloBritish agreement of March 16, 1938. The Fascist Government, in making this new protest, desires to set out the facts and data of the situation in order to show the relative responsibility for any later developments arising out of it. Therefore it renews, in the strongest terms, the objections it has already raised against the British control measures.

The Note complains that the British action: "Profoundly disturbs the mechanism of international exchange, suppresses sources of supply and reduces the possibilities of production by nonbelligerent States." BRITISH COMMENT CONSIDERATION FOR NEUTRALS. BUT INSISTENCE ON LEGAL RIGHTS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) RUGBY. March 4. The Italian Note protesting against Britain’s control of coal shipments of German origin after March 1, is at present under examination by the Foreign Office and is assured of prompt and most careful attention. A number of protests have been received from different countries since the war began regarding Britain's exercise of her rights under international law. All have received thorough and sympathetic consideration and every efort has been made to be as accommodating as possible, while maintaining Britain's full rights. The desire for the maintenance of friendly relations between Britain and Italy ensures 'that no effort will be spared to view the Italian representations sympathetically. In view, however, of the indiscriminate nature of the warfare waged by Germany, not. only against Britain, but against neutrals also, it must not be assumed that Britain can in any sense waive her rights and interests under international law.

It is reported from Rotterdam that in addition to the four Italian colliers which left there with German coal for Italy during the weekend, and were called back, about a dozen other Italian ships are still loading coal at Rotterdam. Britain indicated her readiness, during the recent discussion, to supply Italy with coal to make up for withholding supplies of German coal provided adequate arrangements for payment could be made. Britain displayed a readiness io accept in exchange the products of Italian heavy industry, hut an agreement' on this basis has not so far proved possible. Meanwhile Britain has made clear her intention, in accordance with the Or-der-in-Council of November 27, to arrest seaborne German coal as well as other German exports consigned to neutrals. NO FURTHER REQUEST ALL GERMAN COAL SUBJECT TO DETENTION. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, March 4. It is' officially slated that no request for further exemption has been received from the Italian Government. As announced on March 1. any German coal found in ships leaving port after midnight on that date will be subjected to detention. A message from Rotterdam states that in addition to six ships laden with coal which have left for Italy, eight others are due to sail for Italy tomorrow. It is not expected that any will be stopped, as the coal was bought some time ago. and delivery at Rotterdam was held up by weather. No more Italian colliers are expected.

MORE ITALIAN TALK SOME HOPE OF SETTLEMENT PERCEIVED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 12..55 p.m.) LONDON, March 4. Britain's announcement that the blockade of German coal exports is now operative has brought British-Italian relations to a more delicate stage, but according to the Associated Press of America's Rome correspondent. hope for an amicable settlement exists despite the energetic Italian protest. The Italian Press emphasises the importance of the points at issue. The semi-official ‘Tnformazione Del Girorno" says the Italian protest raises the whole problem of Die British blockade which is of utmost importance to neutrals. "Lti Tribuna” says the moment has arrived to let Britain clearly understand that there are limits beyond which it is unlawful to go and interest of which non-belligerents are Die judges.