The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-10-01

ton with regard to contraband and
meanwhile. in neutral ships- Goods
such as food stnffs consigned to Hol-
lands government 49, placed an em-
barge on expectations, will not be
treated as contraband.''
Relations Arc Strained.
Washington. Oct. The relations
OF the United States and Great Britain
are In stage which. while not crit
istratton ofacia.s. The condition IL
due to the attitude Of Great Britain
on the shipment Of copper in Amer
lean bottoms byxVay of Rotterdam.
Great Britain is convinced that
American copper shipped to Rotter-
for the Krupps and by them is to be
used In the manufacture OF cannon
and projectiles for the German army.
The British government has explained
to American Ambassador Page that 1t
cannot permit copper shipments con-
signed to Holland to pass without
conf1scation when the opportunity to
confiscate comes within the power OF
the British authorities.
Sir Edward Grey has pointed out
to the American ambassador that
England did not sign the so-called
declaration Of London, article IS OF
which declares that conditional con-
traband is not liable to capture except
when found on boar da vessel bound
for territory belonging to roccupied
by the enemy, etc." and that there
fore England does not feel herself
bound by that article.
The so-called: conditional contra
band includes such articles rs food
stuffs. forage, grain. etc, clothing.
boots, shoes. gold and silver coin, bull
lion, POWDER explosives. etc. 1t is.
however the shipments Of copper to
which Great Britain is particularly
averse. That governments military
it that the copper consigned to Rot
terdam is designed for the use of the
Krupps in the manufacture OF arms
and ammunition to be used against
British soldiers. England has accord
ingly informed the department OF
state that she will consider herself at
liberty to confiscate such shipments
wherever they are discovered.
Diplomats Are Busy.
London Oct. 1.-The vastly impor
tant question Of preventing or permit
ting shipment of supplies which might
ultimately be destined for the use of
the enemy through neutral Holland Is
now before the British government
and forms the basis of diplomatic ne
gotiations between England and
America and England and Holland.
The question Is Of super-importan:e
because It is no small part OF the al
lies plan to force Germany to her
knees through cutting of her supplies.
Therefore England must edcide upon
definite policy concerning the treat
ment Of cargoes carried to Holland
under neutral flags.
England's decision will be against
permitting anything which might give
aid or comfort to the enemy going to
Holland and her naval forces are al
ready being used to prevent such pro-
cedure.
Large orders Placed.
New York, Oct. 1.-Great Britain.
France and Russia have placed large
orders for army supplies and equipment
with Charles F. Flint, who controls
large shipping interests in this city.
Munitions Of war, horses, harness and
other supplies are included. The order
from Russia alone is said to amount
to 81 600 900. SC tors lanf - etiT f-z q.
ut is a factstn&1I have received or
ders for a large Smount of supplies
from the nations at war with Ger
many" said Mr.. Flint. 1T. would not
be advisable for me to say when or how
the goods are to be shipped as some of
them are contraband and subject to
capture"
What About "America?"
Washington. Oct. 1.-Shipment of the
hydro-aeroplane America to England
from New York ON the Massachusetts,
has raised a new question of interna-
tional law. If classed as munitions Of
war the aeroplane will be subject mere
ly to seizure as contraband. Should it
be classed as warship, the United
States might be charged with RESPONSE
bility for its departure from a neutral
port.
No protest has been made and the
question has not yet come up officially.