East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1914-12-29
AMERICAN COMMERCE
MUST Be SHOWN MORE
RESPECT BY BRITAIN
WARNING IS SENT BY UNITED
STATES AND EARLY IN
PROVEMENT ASKED.
Treatment OF American Ships Ac-
corded by English Meets with Dis
favor Here-Britlsh Policy Is At
tacked-DiplOmatlc Note Issued
Calling for Improvement.


Calling for Improvement.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2s.-The
United States government dispatched
a long note to Great Britain, insist
Ing on early improvement in the
treatment OF American commerce by
the British fleet. IT gave warning
that public criticism was general
over unwarranted interference with
the legitimate foreign trade OF the
United States
The document. constituting the
strongest representation on this sub
ject made by the United States to
any OF the belligerents since the out
break Of the war, was cabled to Am
bassador Page to be formally present
ed to Sir Edward Grey, British for
eign secretary.
Its preparation was begun a month
ago by Solicitor Cone Johnson, Coun-
selOr Lansing and Secretary Bryan
and finally had the personal atten-
ton OF President Wilson, who revised
It's phraseology with minute care.
Subject Covered Fully.
AS the detailed point Of view Of
the United States in numerous spe-
cific cases OF detentions and seizures
Of cargoes had been set forth in a
series OF emphatic protests. most of
which have gone unheeded yester-
days communication was couched in
general terms, covering the entire
subject Of the relations between the
United States and Great Britain as
affected by the latter's naval policy, |
considered highly Objectionable by
this government.
Since France has adopted practical
ly the same DEGREES on contraband
as has Great Britain. yesterdays note
is virtually a statement intended for
all the members OF the triple enten-
te.
The note declares at the outset that
the representations are made in a
friendly spirit, but that the United
States considers It best to speak in
terms OF frankness. lest silence be
construed as an acquiescance in a poll
icy which infringed the rights OF Am
erlcan citizens under the laws of ma
tions.
British Held Responsible.
The document points out that COM
plants on every side and public
criticism in the United States hold
the British policy as directly respon-
sible for the depression in many Am
erican industries. situation the seri-
business of which must be apparent
to Great Britain.
Reimbursement alone for cargoes
unlawfuly detained or seized. II
states. does not remedy the evil as
the chief difficulty, Is the moral ef-
feet of British practice on American
exporters who are restrained by 1t
from taking risks or hazards which
in no case ought to surround legiti-
mate trade between the United States
and other neutral countries.
Feeling has been aroused on the .
subject to such an extent, the COM
adds. that the American
feels compelled to ask
for definite information as to Great ;
Britaln's attitude, in order that It :
may take such measures as will pro-
tect American citizens in their rights.
United States Long Patient.
The United States. II points out,
was patient at first. realizing that the
outbreak of hostilities had
heaped a mass OF burdens on the
British government. and, thinking an
early clearing of the air would come.
Five months have now elapsed. the :
lote asserts with no improvement in :
he situation.
In the meantime, American ship :
oers have avaiied themselves Of vari-
rus suggestions from the British gov :
,rnment. such as shipping cargoes :
o definitely named consignees in neu-
raj countries. and the taking out OF
certificates from consuls in this coun- :
ry, which followed promises of the .
British foreign office that the allied .
leets consequently would cease de- .
entlons of these cargoes The situa-
ion. howeer, is described as having :
rarely improved after these conces- :
ions. :
References IS maze IN the note 10 e
he high principles of equity which :
ave actuated Great Britain in her 3
championship in the past of the free .
ON Of the seas to neutral commerce :
nd the hope is expressed that even 3
hough a belligerent herself. she will :
ealize the seriousness to the neutral :
{ continued interference. :
Absolute Contraband Defined. =
Reserving until some other date :
ne discussion of those articles which :
reat Britain has taken from the :
enerally accepted lists of non-con- :
'aband, and placed on the lists OF :
bsolute and conditional contraband, :
lie American government declares :
lat the British fleets have been re- :
arding absolute and conditional con- >
aband as in the same class, where :
international law defines absolute :
as consisting OF those ar :
cles intended directly for the use OF :
n army or navy, and conditional con. ;
'aband, those products susceptible :
use by armed forces but whose :
must he the determining :
ctor In detentions. =
The American note mentioning =
lat foodstuffs are conditional con :
aband since they may be destined =
-. &ho ,,co 81 a civil rnpuIotiov 90 -