Grand Forks daily herald., 1914-12-29
NOTE ADDRESSED TO GREAT BRITAIN
CALLING attention TO (NWARRANTED
TRADE RESTRAINT IS TO THE POINT
Netherlands Minister Coners With State Department To-
day and Confirms Published Reports of Note Contents
EXPECT British Must Realize Public Sentiment.

that SO far as theory is COM
cerned there is really no de-
bate on the point raised, be-
cause England, herself, in
previous wars, had taken ex-
actly the American position.
President Wilson was ask
ed if the communication to
Great Britain was the result
of the recent gathering of
the Pan-American diplomats
here.
He said not, but that the
position of the United States
would apply to any neutral,
and that contentious advanc-
ed are not peculiar to this
country.
President Wilson added
that the note of protest was
not based on any treaties be-
tween the United States and
Great Britain, but on gener-
ally accepted principles Of
international lo z; J lawt s. /, {, q,
$50, The publication Of the Substances
nf fl,r AvAo
widespread interest in the capitol.
Foreign diplomats. especially those
from neutral countries. discussed 1t.
Members of congress- who had pro-
tested to the state department on be-
half Of the merchants. shoppers Of
copper, flour, wheat, foodstuffs, cot
ton and other products. in which trade
satisfaction with the attitude of the,
government.
Will Be Change
Some administration officials ex-
pressed the view that when Great Bri-
tain realized the extent Of public opin-
ion on the subject in the United States
her attitude would be modified and
American industry, hitherto halted.
would go forward.
called at the state department to OBJ
tain for his government a copy Of the
American note to Great Britain.
The minister conferred with coun-
sellor Lansing, who prepared for him
memorandum giving the substance
Of the note. AS the minister left the
department he said information eiyen
the note. He said Holland had told
Great Britain virtually the same thing,
but he thought added weight would be
given the argument because of the
vigorous position OF the American
government.
Senators of the foreign relations
committee are hopeful that 1t will re-
suit in quick relief for American COM
merce.
Dispatched YESTERDAY.
The United States government yester.
day dispatched long note to Great
Britain. insisting upon an early inn
provement in the treatment of Ameri-
can commerce by the British feet, It
gave warning Of much feeling arous-
ed in this country and public criticism
IN general over unwarranted interfer-
ence with the legitimate foreign trade
Of the United States.
The document, constituting tho
strongest representation on this sub
ject made by the United States to any
OF the beiligerents since the outbreak
OF the war, was cabled to Ambassador
Page to be formally presented to Sir
Edward Grey, British foreign secre.
tary. Its preparation was begun n
month ago.
Covers Whole Ground.
As detailed, the point of view Of
the United States in numerous gpe-
ci1c cases Of detentions and seizures
OF cargoes had been set forth in a
series OF emphatic protests. the most
or which have gone unheeded, and
M IL
in general terms covering the entire
subject of relations between the
United States and Great Britain. as
affected by the latters naval policy.
considered highly Objectionable BY
this government
The note declares at the outset the
representations are made in q friendly
spirit. but the United States consider.
1t best to speak in terms Of frankness
lest silence be construed as acaui-
escence in policy which Great
Britain infringes the rights of Ameri.a
can citizens under the laws Of nations.
Since France has adopted practice
ally the same DEGREES on, contraband
as Great Britain. the nots is virtuaiiy
a statement to the triple entente.
Feeling has been aroused to such
an extent, the communication adds,
that the American government feels
compelled to ask definite information
regarding Great Britain's attitude In
order 1t may take such measures a
van protect the American citizens In
their rights. b. s ~ q IN ss--.s
The document points out oomplaintss
on every side and public criticism ia I
the United States holds the Nratish
policy directly responsible or tha d
preston in many 4 American ind,,S.
tries. = situationso seriousnsss wiaiChs
must be apparent 10 Britain. A 1So
a..
the British practice san the Am SricSS
exporters who are fsstrained 81 it
from taking risks ana hasards NhioA
In no case ought to Gurround lSktf3-S
mate trade hetween the United Ntaf1nG
and other nsuhal sesntsIs .s