Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1914-11-24
VIOLATION. OF LONDON
DECLARATION CHARGED
Germany Presents Formal Protest
Against "High.Hauded" Actions
OF England and France.
PUTS 1T UP TO NEUTRALs
Berlin Doubts II 1t Can Maintain It's
Present Attitude in Regard to Con-
traband and Seizure at Sea, Unless
Enemies Change Course.

WASHINGTON. D. c.. November IS
Charges by Germany that England and
France are violating the Declaration
OF London, previously presented to
Ambassador Gerard and representatives
OF other neutrals at Berlin. were pub
lished to-day from the embassy hero.
The paper says Germany thus far has
observed the Declaration Of London,
and has not changed It's attitude, de-
spite fragrant violations committed by
its adversaries." and adds:
However, the imperial German gov
crnment now must study the question
whether 1t can continue to maintain
the above attitude. IL the enemy pow
,ers abide by the procedure observed
by them. and If the neutral powers
allow such violations to go on.
''The German government considers
1t. therefore, OF interest to learn which
position the neutral powers intend to
take toward the attitude adopted by
Great Britain and France contrary to
international law. and particularly
whether 1t Is their intention to take
measures against the acts OF violence
committed on board their merchant
vessels against German subjects and
German property"
CHANGES. OBLITERATE
SEVERAL VITAL POINTS
The German note declares additions
and notifications Great Britain has
made to tho Declaration OF London
are OF such nature that they oblit-
crate the said declaration In several
vital points, and at the same time
encroach on the accepted rules Of In
ternational law"
The most vital notifications arc
contained" It says, 'in the rule con-
corning conditional contrabnnd"
Under the Declaration Of London, Il
adds, There can be no question OF con-
ditional contraband except where cargo
is destined for use Of the administ ra :
tive departments OF the military force
OF tho hostile powers" nor can the
question arise whether goods are CON
ditional contraband or not when the
vessel lis sailing for a neutral port"
Further, 1t charges Great Britain
made the rule OF continuous voyage.
applicable only In the case OF absolute
contraband. applicable also with. regard
to conditional contraband. In contra
vention OF the Declaration of London
Thus. It declares, Conditional con
traband Is virtually on the samo foot
ing as absolute contraband."
IN conseQuence,".it continues, "the
supply by neutrals Of objects of con-
ditional contraband. especially of food
stufrs, destined only for tho consump-
ton OF the inhabitants OF belligerent
which IL universally considered legiti-
mate In international law, is practi-
cally rendered illusory. whereby the In
terests OF the belligerents, as we'll as
OF the ncutrals. are violated In a man
ner contrary to the law of nations.
ENGLAND is PROCEEDING
IN HIGH-HANDED MANNER
"As events at tho theatres OF nhval
warfare prove, England proceeds in
this respect IL the most Hight handed
manner, even enforcing control over
supplies destined for the countries ad-
Jacent to Germany, and thereby en-
dangering their victualing"
Germany objects to tho British claim,