South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-12-30
Washington Absorbed in Dis
CuSSion of United States Note
to Britain But Does Not Ex-
peCt Strain of Relations.
NO THREAT IMPLIED
IN STATE DOCUMENT
Counsellor Lansing Points Out
That Urgency of Reply Was
not Indicated and England
May Delay Answer.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 3O.-The pro
test made by the United States 10 the
British government against the inter-
ference with American shipping by
Great Britain, today continued TO he
the absorbing topic of discussion IN
diplomatic circles Representatives OF
neutral countries here made further
Inquiries Of the state departing mt rela-
tive to the situation. and this strength
ened the belief that these nations Will
follow the lead of the United states
in the struggle against British inter-
ference with oversee trade.
While there was talk of possible
reprisals by the United States in the
event that Great Britain failed 10 ac-
cord better treatment to American
careOes. the opinion prevailed among
the diplomats as well as il circles
close to the white house that such
measures would not be necessary. 1t
was confidently expected that the
British government would take steps
to remove. in part at least, the cOndl-
tions against which the Washington
administration complained.
There was no change in the policy
of silence adopted 10y the British en-
bassy, but it was intimated by Off
possibility of friction between the
two governments over the situation as
quite remote.
Administration officials reiterated
the statement that the protest sent to
London was not to be considered in
any sense a threat against Great Brit
ain. The point was emphasized that
the document contained no statement
that could be so construed or that
could be used to force the United
States into a more advanced position
than it is prepared to Eake at this
time.
Expect an Explanation.
State department officials today ex-
pressed the opinion that the British
government will receive the protest in
the same friendly spirit in which it
was made and they expect that the
British government will soon offer
some explanation for England's
course for OBTAINING American ships
and cargOes.
They admitted. however, that while
they believed a satisfactory solution
of the matter will be reached event
ually. some difficulty probably will be
encountered by the United States in
explaining the specific cases Of sup
posed smuggling and also cases where
manifests. The state department has
in its possession a list of these viola
tOns. The false manifest. among 9TH
er things, are said 10 have involved
shipments of both copper and rub
Der.
Counsellor Lansing. one Of the
trainers of the protest, said the note
was so phrased that the urgency of
reply was not indicated
Great Britain, of course, may de-
sire TO take plenty Of time before re-
plying he said. There was nothing
that limited of peremptory tone in
the note"
Rests on Principle.
Officials emphasized the fact that
the protest rested upon principle
which this government seeks TO have
definitely understood and that the
question of contrabrand thus far is
only a side isue. The contrabrand
problem. it was predicted. would be
taken up in later negotiations and
specific cases which have come TO the
governments attention will form the
basis of protest.
Emphatic approval from the demo-
cratic side of the senate OF Pres't VIII
sons note TO the British government
was heard today.
Sen. Chamberlain Of Oregon. chair
man of the senate committee. on mill
tary affairs. I would not listen for
one moment TO excuses in the cases.
but would insist they stop their inter-
ference 1t is the same old question
that involved us in war with Great
Britain in 1912 and they have always
maintained that they had the right TO
search at sea 1t is time for the
United States 10 stand her ground
Upholds Action of President
Sen ShafrOth of Colorado said:
1 approve OF the action taken by
the president 1t is a good thing. IL
viii not bring hostilities. but it will
bring an inquiry into the Whole ques-
ton. II the shippers have been prac-
ucing fraud. that Will he brought out
and the frauds viii have TO stop. If
frauds are not being practiced that
also Nil be established and the sit
uation cleared"
Sen. Pomerene of Ohio said.
The action taken in this matter IS
very opportune II is also very much
needed. 7 fully approve o. it
Three Major Propositions.
There are three major propositions in
the note Which the United states gov
eminent has sent 10 the British govern
ment relative 10 the restraint put
upon American commerce by the
British admiralty. They are:
First. that British cruisers have no
right 20 board an American vessel
I'm erely in search OF evidence
Second. cargoes Of American vessels
have been held and detained under
circun stances which do not consti-
tute proper ground for such action
fCo<TTN-T-En cN- PACE TENA