Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1914-12-31

THIRTY AMERICAN
SHIPS DETAINED


WASHlNGToN, Dec 30 While
w the American note to Great
Britain concerning Interruptions OF
the commerce OF this country con-
tluued today to absorb official Wash
ington, there was manifest confidence
That the difficulties eventually would
be adjusted amlcably.
Already the discussion has turned
TO measures which the United States
properly could take In co-operation
win Great Britain to reduce to A
minimum the necessity for extended
search on the high seas II became
known lhal agents Of the treasury
department acting in co-operation
with the state department In one case
hlready had inspected cargo OF cot
ton, which inspection had satisfied
the British embassy and facilitated
me progress OF the shipment TO its
destination.
The belief was held in official
quarters that a mutual understanding
might be reached whereby legitimate
cargoes could be certified before their
departure from this country and
merely made immune from deten-
ton.
official Surprise.
High officials of the Washington
government were somewhat surprised
that the American note has been re-
gardcd as "hrusque" IN some Lon
dou quarters They said the British
cabinet which has It under considera-
u"n after single reading of the
document must be convinced that the
nited states had spoken In the most
friendly spirit though mono the less
earnestly and emphatically
IN all, II became known today.
thlrty American ships and cargoes
men value tOtalling millions, have
poen detained The American note
POINTS ont specifically. however. that
reimbursement for previous damages
aiohe cannot cure the situation. az
lhr ncuVlty Of the British fleet has
Io'tralned many American exporters
whose business has become stagnant
for fear OF the numerous technicaI-
ltieS and risks involved I'm shIpments
with respect 10 cotton shipments
the case OF one or two illegitimate
'arsoes. II IL recognized. has caused
lhe BRUSH government to suspect all
shipments. The United States govern
lnent has no evidence that there has
been contraband concealed in cotton
carBoes, but England has made two
specific complaints of H. Although
not NOuchiuB for or confirming the
charges the American government
mas thought 1t advisable nevertheless
10 issue warning that one sraudu-
Ient shipment must produce embar-
rassmcnt 10 cargoes generally
Bryan Rcticcnt.
Secretary Bryan, discussing the
note with callers today, declined TO
give any details Those neutral din
l"inatS who called to ask about the
note we're not given copy OF it. but
were Informed that the first news-
paper report OF II was accurate They
We're told the state department prob
AMY would not deliver the text OF tho
communication to foreign govern
IhehtS generally, AS 1t still regards tha
note as confidential, the American
government Itself not having author
@ed Its publication in part or in
whole.
The general points on which the
note complains. and which have been
ne basis of several specific protests
substantially are as follows.
J. American cargOes have been
searched on the high seas-a belliger-
'nt right that is not dcnied-but tho
'llpS also have been diverted to ports
or iurther examination. circum-
iauce held not Justified under inter-
Iatlonal law unless fun proof OF hos
lle destination IL presented at the
line Serious loss. especially TO per-
shable goods has resulted
=. Great Britain has regarded ab-
olute and conditional contraband AZ
"a the same class The general nm
lerstandiug in international law has
'een that absolute contraband in
ludes those articles which are in
ended for use hy belligerent force
nd directly destined to II. Condi
ional contraband. including food
TUFTS. comprises the articles which
re susceptible of use by an army or
ayy. but II must be proven that in
tead OF being intended for the civil
of country these prod
cts are destined for use boy its army.
ny navy.
Must Snow Intent"
3. The note declares that I'm re-
pect 10 commerce between two neu-
raj countries there ought be no ques-
ion Of con'raband at all for the re-
atoms are those Of peace and not of
iar. Since the civil war the United
tates has upheld the doctrine of
voyage which permitted
eizti- OF a cargo even in its Jour-
ey between neutral ports provided
ventually II was destined for a bell
gerent The American note. how
Continued Oh Page Thrce.)