Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-12-29

the seas to neutral commerce and the
hope is expressed that even though a
helligerent herself she will realize the
seriousness to the neutral of eonln-
ued interference.
Reserving until some other date the
discussion of those articles which
Great Britain has taken from the gen.
orally accepted lists of non -contraoahd
and placed on the list of absolute an
conditional contraband, the American
government declares that the Brltlsh
fleets have been regarding absolute
and conditional contraband as in the
same class. whereas, international law
defines absolute contraband as con-
sisting of those articles intended di-
rectly for the use of an army or navy,
and conditional contraband, those
products susceptible of use by armed
forces. but whose destination must be
the determining factor in detehtions
Additional Contraband
The American note, mentioning mere
that foodstuffs are conditional contra
band since they may be destined Ior
the use of civil population as well as
an army. says that the United States Is
in entire agreement with the doctrine ex-
pressed by Lord Salisbury, British for
eign secretary in his correspondence
with the Washington government con-
corning the shipment of foodstuffs to the
Transyaal during the Boer war In South
Africa. Lord Salisbury wrote then:
'.Foodstuffs, with a hostile destination,
can be considered contraband of war
only If they are supplies for the enemys
forces. 1t is not sufficient that they are
capable of being so, used. 1t must be
shown that this was in fact their desti-
nation at the time of seizure" This is
perhaps the most far-reaehing deciara-
ton of the American note. since If 1t
were accepted by Great Britain. Ameri-
can trade with Germany and Austria
virtually at standstill now would be
resumed affecting the prices of wheat.
flour, livestock and the variety of pro-
ducts which go to make up foodstuffs.
Undue Delays
Taking Up the subject of detention of
American ships at sea- the Washington
government states that it cannot toler-
ate undue delays in examining them or
the conveying of such ships to British
ports for detailed examination. 1t argues
that proof of hostile destination of the
cargo must be in evidence at the time Of
search at sea. The belligerent rights of
search, the note adds, is fully recognized.
but 1t cannot be extended to the point
of diverting American ships into bellig-
erent ports merely on suspicion.
1.-The United States asserts, moreover,
that it views with growing concern the
detention of American cargoes consigned
from this country to neutral ports, con-
tending that II should be the duty of the
belligerent to protect neutral commerce
and prevent innocent merchants from
suffering.
Copper Complaint
One of the most conspicuous complaints
cited in the note is against the treat
ment by Great Britain of American car
goes of copper. 1t is charged that Great
Britain is not according the same treat
ment to American trade in copper with
the Scandinavian countries as to COM
merce in this product between the United
States and Italy under the same condi-
tons of shipment. Even though the Ital-
ian government has proclaimed an en-
barge on the expectation of copper from
Italy to belligerent countries, similar to
the embargo in force In Norway, Den
mark and Sweden, the consignment OF
copper to Italy from the United States
are said to be held up, while those TO the
| Scandinavian ports are not molested.
Tho American government further