The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1914-12-31
NEUTRALS LOOK To
US. FOR GUIDANCE
MUCH IRRITATION FELT OVER
GREAT BRITAIN'S INTER-
FERENCE WITH TRADE.

washington, Lee So'-~ mat NV
United States may be accorded the
leadership in the struggle of neutral
countries against British interference
with over sea trade was indicated today
by the interest manifested by repre-
sentatives of neutral governments in
the latest communication from the
Washington government to the British
on this subject
While the state department., In It's
note to the British foreign once.
smoke only for the interest of this
country as injured by the British prac-
tees Is developed today that the docu-
ment gave concrete expression to the
similar grievances of other neutrals
Several diplomats representing these
countries called at the State Depart
ment to get information as to just
what statements the Washington gov
srnmsnt had made in the note to
Great Britain. While the state de-
partment will not furnosh foreign gov
ernments with copies of the note sent
to Great Britain, all information con-
tanned therein is at their disposal on
request.
Pessimistic Over Situation.
Officials Of this government. as well
as representatives of other govern
ments. seemed pessimistic today as to
the prospect of the action OF the United
States bringing any radical change
in the attitude OF Great Britain toward
commerce suspected Of being designed
to aid her enemies. Germany and
Austria
The chief reason, it was declared
here today why 1t is conceded in ad-
vance that no radical change of policy
can be expected to follow the Ameri-
can note is the recognition by the
United States and other neutrais that
Great Britain considers the situation
desperate, and Is prepared to go to
much greater lengths in maintaining
her policy than the neutral govern
ments are prepared to go in opposing
II.
Not N Threat Against England.
onicials here were careful to state
today that the American note Is In no
wise to be regarded as q threat against
Great Britain. No statement was made
in the note, Is was asserted. that could
possibly be construed as threat or
used to force the United States into a
position more advanced than it cares
to take at this stage. Other neutrals,
notably the Netherlands. Denmark and
Norway and Sweden. find themselves
in an identical position: deeply resent
full of the Interference of Great Britain
with neutral trade, but regarding them
selves as in no position to bring about
pressure to bear on the British govern
ment to induce a substantial change In
Its practices.
The unwillingness of the United
States to be disagreeable about the con-
nta PA h
indicated when statements put forth in
the highest official quarters laid part
of the blame for the harm done neu-
trail trade upon American exporters.
who have been guilty Of fraud in their
manifests. 1t was said at the White
House that this government had been
greatly embarrassed in dealing with
these matters by the fact that many
instances had been discovered by the
British of contraband articles being
concealed in cargoes represented as
neutral.
Must Pay Heavy Damage.
At the White House stress was laid
today on the claimss for damages which
Great Britain will have to meet after
the war as a result of her treatment
of American commerce. 1t has been
long known that Great Britain would
cheerfully foot vast damages after the
war rather than change the spolicy
which Is giving rise to these claims,
1t has been said by those In posi-
ton to know that the British feel
that after five months OF the attempt
to "starve out" Germany. some result
may be soon looked for IL the policy
is effectively maintained. whereas were
the bars to be lowered at this time all
that the British stand to gain by 1t
would be lost Immediately.
Note Seond ON Subject.
II was learned today that the note
just sent is the second on this sub
ject Early in the war the state de-
partment RETAINED from making any
general protests. combining itself to pro-
test in specific cases In which they
arose----1t,~ WAS felt- -that-th Atneri-
can case would be in the, end
stronger. IL great patience was shown
and allowances made for the unusual
burdens suddenly thrust upon Great
Britain by the war. Several months
however have seen but little i'm
provement. 80 that Great Britain
cannot offer the excuse of haste and
nv 81