New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-10-23
Demands That Britain at
Once Release Tanker
BrindiIla.
PROTEST NOT PUT IN
FORM OF ULTIMATUM
The John ID. Rockefeller Freed
on Proof That Oil Cargo Is
for Denmark.
[ rom The Tribune Rnrean1

Washington. Oct. 22.-Almost coinci-
dent with the word from the British
Embassy this afternoon that the tank
steamer John r. Rockefeller had been
released, the Department of State made
a demand for the release Of the Brin-
dilla, on the ground that her seizure
was 'unjustifable."
The Brindilla, it was learned here
tonight, was seized by the British be-
cause her port of destination was sus-
picious.
The first official news of the release
of the Rockefeller was telephoned to
the White House by the British Ambas-
sador, Sir Cecil Spring Rice, indicating
that nc realized the fact that the Presi-
dent is taking deep interest in tho
efforts TO protect American shippers.
Later the ambassador called at the
State Department and notified Acting
Secretary Lansing
Although full report has not been
received rom the American Consul at
Halifax, Acting Secretary Lansing be-
licvcd that there was sufficient grounds
for demanding the release of the Brin-
dilla. He cabled Ambassador Page at
London 10 lodge the protest with the
British Foreign Office and make de-
mand for the vessels immediate re-
lease.
Consigned ITO Order"
Ambassador Spring Rice explained to
Mr.. Lansing that the reason for the
seizure of the Rockefeller was that her
cargo of Illuminating oil was consigned
merely "to order" at Copenhagen and
that there were fears that the oil
would ultimately reach the Kiel, the
German naval and aerial base. This
statement was made by the ambas-
sador:
"The John d. Rockefeller was de-
tanned because there was nothing in
her papers to show for whom the oil
she carried was destined. II was only
consigned 'to order
at has now been ascertained that
the oil was for the Danish Petroleum
Company and that there is in Denmark
an embargo on expectation. Directions
we're at once given for the release of
the vessel.
Fuel and lubricants were declared
conditional contraband by the procla-
nation of August A.
No action has yet been taken by the
State Department regarding the re-
ported seizure of the Standard Oil
steamer Platuris. Mr.. Lansing said
late to-day that no protest had yet
come to his notice. The British En-
bassy is also without information as
to- that vessel
Oil Famine in Denmark.
To facilitate uninterrupted voyages
by merchant vessels carrying food
stuffs, oils, metals and other semi
contraband material it has been sug-
gested that the manifest be vised by
British consular officers in American
ports, which would insure the ships
against detention by British or French
cruisers, even temporarily, to make
searches. This matter is now under
consideration by the officials.
The protest of the State Depart
mcnt against the seizure of the Brin-
Gilla and her detention at Halifax, with
the demand for her release, was not
in the nature of an ultimatum, accord
ing TO State Department officials. The
department itself is ignorant of many
of the facts necessary to deal with
the case, but the protest was lodged
to save all legal rights. and the reply
Will be awaited before any further &C
ton is taken.
Word came to-day that Denmark,
facing a petroleum famine, was great
ly concerned over the detention of the
tankers.
Denmark depends upon Russia and
Rumania and the valleys of the River
Drina for her grain and petroleum"
said the Danish Minister, Mr.. Brun,
land since the declaration of war this
source has been cut off. Now we are
forced to look to America for these
supplies"
There IS such a scarcity Of gasolene.
the minister asserted, that the Danish
country doctors have been forced to
walk when they make their calls.
II was learned here this evening that
the chief reason for the British activ-
ity in preventing shipments Of illu-
minsting oil, which they belieev would
eventually go to Germany, was the dis
covery that the Germans have found
n process b. which the oil could be
used for motors.