The Washington times., 1914-08-31
SHIPS AND NEUTRALITY


hsve been transferred 10 American
registry. They have at all time:
been owned by American companies
whose stockholders have been mainly
American citizens. Yet heretofore
they have flown German. British. and
Italian flags.
Americans. therefore. do not owr
any more ships than they formerly
did; but they have placed their owlr
flag, the flag of the most powerful
neutral nation, on those they al
reaoy owned. What will BE- the eff
feet?
Maritime law is a code very I'M
familiar to all Americans save the
few who are specialists in it. In
France. the law for more than 4 CEN
tury had forbidden Frenchmen,
while their country was 4 neutral
curing war, to buy the vessels of a
belligerent. This was the French
law, because France wanted to keep
its ship owners out of trouble. Great
Britain has long declined to rccog-
nize such sales, and France found it
desirable, in order to insure her reu-
trality at times when Britain was
at war. to avoid such occasions of
disagreement.
Maritime law is very largely the
law that Great Britain has made
since the Armada The dominating
sea power, international agreements
about maritime affairs have repeat
edly been rendered impossible be-
cause Of her veto.
There are endless precedents in
the admiralty courts of PROBABLY all
the great maritime countries for de-
clining to recognize sales of a bel
ligerent's vessels to a neutral during
war. Our own admiralty authorities
have taken this position. If an
American should buy German YES
sci now tied up in New York, and if
that vessel should thereafter 60 out
on the seas and be seized by a Brit
ish cruiser, she could be condemned
as a prize; it could be done, even,
under the law as laid down by our
own authorities.
But suppose, as matter Of fact,
that that vessel were bought by
Americans. the American flag were
hoisted over her, and she were loaded
with wheat billed to Liverpool. with
wheat sadly needed in Liverpool.
Would the Britishers seize her in
that case? Or would the allies of
the British? Would anybody save
q German?
1t is reasonably certain that diplo-
matte understanding could be reach
ed with Great Britain, in view of
present conditions, by which the
United States would be permitted to
take over and operate the vessels of
neutrals, provided they were oper-
ated to the interest and advantage
of Britain and her allies. Whether
has undertaken to effect
such arrangements has not been an
But suppose they were effected;
, uppose the allied countries should
all sgree to permit America to buy
German and Austrian ships. Would
Germany and Austria permit them
to be sold to America. knowing they
were going to be used 20 provision
The enemies of Germany?
1t would seem highly unlikely.
Where, then, is the United States
to get vessels in this exigency7 Nor
way is a great maritime country.
But Norway has, like US, the advant-
ege Of neutrality. She wants the
profits offered by these times and
Why sell her ships just
at the beginning of the cream-taking
season?
Italy is neutral, owning many
merchant ships. For like reasons
she will have small disposition to
sell. unless she is in grave danger
Of being drawn into the war. She is,
in fact, in just that danger. II would
appear that right now is the pro-
pltious time to attempt purchases
from Italy. The country may be at
war in fortnight. If that danger is
her ship owners would be
glad to sell vessels that would pres
emily be in danger. Austria and
Italy viii not fight on the same
side, and there is considerable
menace to Italian shipping in the
Austro-German naval force in the
Mediterranean.
1t would seem that if this Govern
ment, or private individuals Of this
are gcin" - buy merchant
shipping that will really add some
hing to our capacity to handle our
.rade and seek new trade, there
should be instant inquiry in Italy.