The Washington times., 1914-10-01
Ill NOT HOLD UP
Goods FOR HOLLAND
'itIsh Government Announces
Position on Shipments of
-oodstuffs to Ports Abroad.

h British government today notified
nited States that It would not in
f. with the shipments of foodstuffs
IN this country in neutral bottoms TO
bll nd, according to an official an
uEoement by the State Department.
r. official statement of the State De-
rtnent stated.
Il s understood that the British gov
nrnent intends to revise their procla-
IT m with regard to contraband, and
eanwhile in neutrol ships, goods such
foodstuffs CONSIGNED TO Holland, in
epact of which the Netherlands gov
nm ent have placed an embargo on
pc -tations, will not he treated as con-
hband."
FL announcement was made follow
A long conference between Sir Cecil
r;ng-Rice, the British ambassador.
cTetary of State Bryan, and Coun-
or Lansing. The British ambassador,
Is understood is acting under instruc-
ns received from Sir Edward Grey,
tit sh foreign minister, earlier in the
Clearance Papers Sufficient.
II is understood that whenever the
kestion Of the destination Of Ameri-
n goods in neutral bottoms is raised
British authority the showing Of
es ance papers to Holland ports VIII
considered sufficient
AT denial that the British ambas-
ldor had advised the State Depart
en- that it was Great Britian's in
ntlon to seize conditional contra
and destined for Germany or Austria
Fen when such shipments are carried
American ships and consigned to
BURIAL ports was made by Consular
ansing.
.--here is nothing to that" said Lam
nE
Rrported seizure of copper shipments
tended for the Krupp works in Ger
/ jary: but consigned to Rotterdam. has
|pt been officially brought to the at
kn,lon of the State Department, ac-
brCing to Lansing, and there has been
b exchange of views between the
| fni.ed States and the British govern
kerI on this subject. The only case
he Department had to deal with, has
zen that of copper seized in a Dutch
esscl. for which American Shippers
e. promptly paid by the British gov
trUent.
II q sing deplored the reports published
bda, in this connection, saying that
he stirred up unfriendliness and in
bred shipping.
Up To Admiralty Court.
Although official announcement was
Ftthheld today of this Governments
tt!tude regarding Great Britains s nou-
ca lion that conditional contraoand
war commodities destined to her
nenies are subject TO seizure. 1t was
he C~rstood that each case OF seizure
i'll be treated as a separate and as
net case for consideration. Admlrally
ourts will probably be the tribunal OF
djustment, following diplomatic eX-
nanges. a.. so,,o,-+-
,ent was the seizure of American cop
er consigned to Germany. Great Brlt-
IN seized il, contending it was design
i for use in manufacturing tor
eJ.es, and was, therefore, con
it lal' contraband. II is also an
M be fully paid for the copper.
I. this connection. Secretary Bryan
a g before him today a formal opinion
y solicitor Cone johnson that con
II onal contraband consists or artlcles
b. eptible Of use in war, as well as
u purposes of peace; in cohsequence
7.rr destination determines Whether
,,., are contraband or non-contra band.
{ sacials were inclined TO believe that
nj opinion sustains the seizure OF the
5,ner shipment, although prohibiting
VI -ight confiscation, which was not at
.I1pted by Great Britain.
To Sound the British.
(. cretary Bryan asked Ambassador
.4r.- to take up directly with the Brit
r roreign office the various differences
opinion regarding contraband COM
wee. 1t was stated that Mr. Page is
sound out the British government
, 4 full understanding Of its inten-
{ :.
. ne stage of diplomatic negotiations
3 not been reached that of formal