Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1914-12-09
Twenty Nations of Western
Hemisphere Disapproye
Wars Effects.
VIGOROUS ASSERTION
OF RIGHTS WILL BE MADE
Meeting Regarded as Birth of
New Movement in Inter
national Law.
CONFERENCE is PAN-AMERICAN
tected Against Warlike
Acts OF Others.

WASHINGTON. December S.-Twenty
nations of the Western Hemisphere to-
day expressed their disapproval of the
effects Of operations of the European
belligerents In the waters OF the two
Americas, and appointed commission
OF diplomats to formulate practical
steps contemplating more vigorous
assertion OF the rights OF neutrals
Gathered around an oval table in the
magnificent Pan-American Union Build
ing, the diplomatic representatives OF
the American republics. most of them
under specific instructions from their
governments, urged united action by
the nations of this hemisphere to re-
store trade and remove some Of the
burdens placed on commerce by the
European war. 1t was the first inter-
national conference of neutral nations
which had assembled in any part of
the globe since the European war be-
gan, and, irrespective of its possible
accomplishments during the present
conflict, was regarded as the birth of
new movement in international law
for the definition Of the right of the
neutral as opposed to the right of the
belligerent
NoTk; OF WARNING SOUNDED
TO nELLIGERENTN NATIONS
Underlying the several speeches made
by the diplomats was note of warning
that the presence of belligerent war
ships in the Western Hemisphere al
ready had produced grave complicn-
tions between American nations and
European powers. demonstrating the
vital need of Pan-American solidarity.
Secretary Bryan made the opening
speech. pointing out that the United
States sympathtzed deeply with the
plight of its neighboring republics, and
ideciarius thar tpfspreis t,gNsitf tfonBss.sSnld
not be forced to suffer for the acts OF
the belligerents. After e general dis
cussion. the following resolution was
adopted unanimously:
The governing board OF the Pan-
American Union declares:
II. That the magnitude OF the pres
ent European war presents new prob
lens OF international law. the solution
of which is of equal interest to the
entire world.
"e. That the form in which the opera
tions Of the belligerents are develop
ing. they rebound to the injury OF the
neutrals.
20 That the principal cause for this
result is that the respective rights n:
the belligerents and of the neutrals are
not clearly defined.
AZ. That considerations of every
character call for definition of such
rights as promptly possible. upon
the principle that liberty of commerce
should not be restricted beyond the
point indispensable for military opera
tions.
SPECIAL COMMISSION
TO STUDY PROBLEMS
ION these grounds. the governing
board of the Pan-American Union re-
solves:
Il. A special commission of the same
members, OF which the Secretary of
state of the United States shall form
part, acting as chairman thereof, ex
officio
.'2. This commission shall study the
problems presented by the present
the governing board the suggestions 1t
may deem of common interest. In the
study of questions of technical char
acter, this commission will consult the
board OF jurists.
'3. Each government may submit to
the committee such plans or suggested
resolutions as may be deemed con-
venient on the different subjects that
circumstances suggest"
The committee was Immediately ap-
pointed to consist Of the Secretary Of
State Of the United States; the am
bassadors from Brazil, Chile Argen-
tina; the ministers from Uruguay, Peru,
Ecuador, Honduras and Cuba.
The Secretary of State of the United
States. as chairman ex oficio of the
governing board Of the .Pan-American
Union. presided over the meeting.
Seated to his right and left were the
ambassadors OF Brazil. Chile and Ar
gentina and the ministers of the six
teen other republics. There was one
vacant chair-that OF the ambassador
from Mexico. the government of which
country remains unrecognized by. the
family OF nations.