The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-31
CABINET HOLDS
COMPREHENSION
WILSON'S NOTE
Little Hope Of Definite Re-
ply Now Is Felt,
However.
PRESS CONTINUES IT'S
TONE OF FRlENDLINESS
sSpccid, Cab4c Dc,patch ~ TIE sr>


IoNpcS, Dec. 30.-Cabiret officers
held meeting at the War Once to-day
at which the protest of the United
states against unwarrantcd detention
OF American vessels was discussed. No
intimation was given as to when a re-
ply to the note might he expected
Sir Edward Grey. the Foreign Secre-
tary: David Lloyd George. Chancellor
Of the Exchequer. Reginald McKenna.
the Home Secretary: Walter Runciman.
President of the Board of Trade, and
Sir Francis Hopwood. civil Lord of the
Admiralty attended the conference.
1t is known that these men regard
the American note as friendly in tone
and consider that it does not bring up
any matters which cannot b. adjusted to
the satisfaction of the United states.
The official information bureau an
nounccd that the note was officially re-
ccived only to-day owing to the absence
from the Foreign Office of Sir Edward
Grey.
1t is thought that the question of
Great Britain yielding sonc of her
rights of search depends very largely
upon the ability of Denmark. Holland,
Norway and Sweden TO prevent Ameri-
can cargocs from reaching Germany or
Austria-Hungary through them.
Faces Other Protests.
Great Britain's situation is very en-
barrassing She faces protests from Ho-
land. Norway. Sweden and Denmark.
Holland protested three weeks ago. not
against the right ~ seizure and search,
but against the rough methods en-
ployed, and to the great delays to which
neutral ships are subjected. Many
Dutch ships have been held in port
twu weeks
Another protest concerns the prac-
tca closing Of the North Sea to ship
ping sweden. Norway and Denmark
pr test against this on the ground that
u j. a violation Of International law to
close the high sea.
All these problems. coupled with that
propounicd in President Wilson's note.
will hc hard for the British Government
e. solve.
The Government; feels that Great Brl.-
taiu's interests would not b. properly
eafegu1rded unless the most positive as
snran"es were given that goods shinne
to these countries will not ultimately ar
rive at a point where they may be used
BY Great Britain's enemies.
II IS understood that Sir Edward Grey
Page within shor, time to discuss fully
and frankly the American note.
General Comment Friendly.
Practically all the newspapers refer to
the note in a friendly way. admitting
mat the United States has difficulties
which should he smoothed and trusting
tina mutual good will may smooth over
these difficulties
The Westminster Gazette. which fire.
0uently represents the feeling OF the Gov
eminent says:
ave have no right to feel aggrieved
because Of American endea,ors TO miti-
gate the losses which the war innIcts on
the merchants and manufacturers of that
country"
II adds that the right OF search is con-
coded in the American note, but that this
rgh' should he exercised with due regard
10 the convenience of neutrals II sug-
g-ts that the Government might do well
10 furnish 10 the American Ambassador
and London correspondents OF American
newspapers each day list OF hips which
have been stopped and . statement of
the reasons. 1t would amount to Ameri-
can intervention in favor OF Germany for
the United States to prevent Great Britain
from stopping shipments of copper to Ger
many. adds this newspaper. and says that
Washington has no such intention.
Inquiries in America and Anglo Amer-
can shipping circles to-day revealed conf
Cence that satisfactory settlement would
b. reached
The position is teeming with difficult
ti's,' said the director Of a shipping com
pany trading between America and other
neutral countries, but | am confident of
an amcabe and equitable settlement IL
the matter is left in the hands of Sir Ed
ward Grey. Some Inconvenience is newt
able and Is expected, but L. is possible that
some may be obviated "
Sidney Low, the leading editorial
writer in the StdHddrd writes as follows
this morning
I'VE entered the war with the resolve
10 keep the seas open 10 all neutral
commerce. We should have succeeded If
The Germans had not openly disrecarIed
tie law Of war and the Hague con-
N6utioHs by the promsCuous use of
mines. Against these and other gross in