New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-31
Hopes by Making COun-
tries "Watertight' to
Relax Search Rigors.
SOME ENGLlSHMEN
DOUBT IT'S SUCCESS
They Say Past Assurances Given
by Neutral Nations Have Not
Proved Wholly Effective.
rBy Cable TO ne Trbuu,

London, Dec. So The British gov
ernment intends 70 alleviate tho eondi.
tions of which the American govern
ment complained in its recent protest
by making arrangements with neutral
countries through which American
goods may pass TO Great Britain's enc
mics which will mako those countries
'wstertight" in so far as the possibility
Of export therefrom Of contraband Is
concerned. When this "watertigh"
arrangement is made England will b.
able greatly 10 relax the rigors Of
searching ships, and this will obviate
the long delays Of which Washington
complains.
The foregoing was intimated this
evening, following to-day's Cabinet dis
cussion Of the protest. IN a responsible
official quarter intrus'ed with the duty
of dealing with the American press and
making known the British govern
ment's views. Officially the government
is saying nothing, but il is declared AZ
the Foreign Office that the American
note Is receiving careful and sympa-
thetic attention.
1t is beyond question that the Brit
ish government is keenly desirous OF
reaching some solution. II is decided.
" open 10 doubt, however, that efforts
to create "watertigkt" condition IN
neutral countries will succeed Weeks
ago all these nations Holland, Italy,
Denmark. Sweden and Norway
assurances against the re-exportation
Of contraband 20 Germany and Aus
tria. These assurances have not
proved effective Despite the prohibi-
tions. imports Of questionable articles
have leaped far above normal, which
inevitably suggests consumption else
where than in the importing neutral
countries.
Furthermore. there is evidence IN
British possession Of Illicit traffic be-
tween certain neutral states and Ger
many. This is carried on by profit
seeking individuals. There is as yet
no suggestion that the governments
are involved This puts the British
in the awkward position o.
facing the problem Of telling ceteain
reutrals that their assurances are mo
good"
Long Negotiations Necessary.
IL is obvious that the American note
entails long negotiations, not only be-
tween England and America, but with
all the neutral states affected. A sat
sfactory solution will be difficult, and,
impossible. although all Brit
sh officials emphasize their urgent de-
sire 20 meet Americas legitimate COM
plants
Delivery Of the American note has
brought about a remarkable diplomatic
incident between the Foreign Office
and the American Embassy concerning
he time Of the delivery Of the note
. the government here. Foreign or
ice officials declared yesterday that
hey got their first news Of the note
rom the press. The embassy, how
yer. revealed that Ambassador Page
old Lord Haldane, who was IN charge
4 the Foreign Office during Sir Ed
yard Grey's absence on Monday, that
he protest was forthcoming and
would be delivered on Tuesday, and
hat i. was sent 20 the Foreign Office
IN Tuesday afternoon.
During to-day the Foreign Ofhce
tuck TO the story that the note was
lot received yesterday, but only this
norning. and-apropos Of nothing that
.ad at least appeared in the press
Iere-thc official press bureau this
fternoon issued an announcement
hat there is TO truth - the state
nent that the note Of the United States
government was presented by the
american Ambassador yesterday"
This appears 20 have aroused Am
assador Page. for tonight The Trib-
ne correspondent was informed at the
mbassy that Sir Edward Grey, who Is
ow back, would correct the erroneous
tatement.
Press Comment Friendly.
Press comment regarding Americas
ttitude is generally sympathetic and
riendly. Scarcely any papers foresee
erious difficulties in reaching Solu-
ION. "The Globe" is the only London
aper viciously inclined. and to-day
ritish officials FASTENED 10 diselaim
nat "The Globes" sentiments in tho
,ast represented the governments
iews.
The general opinion appears to be
nat, so far as the government is con-
erned. there will be slight chance OF
snsion, but the officials. both British