The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-11-27
Pan-American Coun-
tries Endeavoring to
Secure Co-opertiona
of US in Movement
BAN WAR VESSELS
OF BELLIGERENTS
Plan Extension of Territorial Waters
Over Present Three-mile Limit That
Would Permit Unmolested Coast
wise Trade Between Two Americas
By Associated Press.

Washington, Nov. Predetermined
10 reduce the effects of the European
war on the trade of Pan-American
countries, the principal nations of
South America are endeavoring, it was
disclosed to-day, to secure the eo-opera-
,tion of the United States in a move
ment that would bring about an agree.
ment with the helligerent Powers of
Europe to withdraw their warships
from the neutral waters of the two
Americas.
Extension of the territorial waters
or neutral country from the present
limit OF 3 miles to much larger limits
hat would permit an unmolested coast
klse trade between the two Americas,
The calling of a general conference of
diplomatic representatives of the 81 re-
pubhcs of this hemisphere and prOhibi-
tions which would make it impossible
for warships to sustain themselves with
coal or supplies in neutral waters are
among the suggestions which have been
formally communicated to the United
States government for consideration.
Argentine, Chile, Brazil, Peru and Uru-
qua? have taken an active part in the
negotiations.
Wilson and Bryan to Confer
President Wilson and Secretary
Bryan will confer on the subject when
the former returns from Willamstowu,
Mass, and in the interval South Amer
lean diplomats were busy to- day discus
sing with each other the various sugges-
tions advanced by their governments
II IL l.. l.
sounding out the European belligerents
informally and some of the latter have
expressed a favorable interest.
High officials of the American gov
ernment have had some preliminary dis
eussions with South American diplo-
mats on their proposals. Any arrange
Temt that would be sought would, of
course, be dependent upon the final
agreement of the belligeernts. 1t is un-
derstood that, while the American gov
ernment is hesitant about taking the
initiative, the South American coun-
tries have paved the way by their vari-
ops suggestions, so that whatever action
is taken will be OF a united and col
lettive character. "
War Disrupted Trade of Eeutra!s
Some of the South American eoun-
tries feel that, as Europe has disrupted
the trade of neutrals, the latter should
more vigorously assert their rights.
The chief trouble with South American
trade is the lack of ships to carry car
goes and the insecurity of such trade
as is carried in merchant vessels flying
the flags of belligerents.
The presence of German feet in
South American waters has held back
many British merchantmen, while Ger
man steamers by the scores are lying
iale in South American ports.
While none of the remedial proposals
suggest whether some of the big
freighters flying belligerent flags would
be released for coastwise trade within
certain neutral zones, it is known that
the South American countries would
welcome an arrangement between the
belligerents whereby some of these yes
sells would be permitted to engage in
coastwise trade.
Not alone, however, with the idea of
restoring the trade paralyzed by the
war, but with the purpose of removing
!, possible causes OF friction and neu-
trality controversies with European bel
ligerents, have the various suggestions
been advanced.
To Ask Removal of All Warships
The South American countries also
would prefer that the belligerent navies
fight ttheirbattlesi in another hemisphere,
the tangles over the use of the wireless
and coaling privileges having produced
complications with Europe.
Although both Ecuador and Colombia
claim that they now have taken meas
ures which satisfy Great Britain and
France of their neutrality, Chile's dec
laration that Germsp ships had Violated
her neutrality has Einterjected another
difficulty into the situation.
These problems have been recognized
by diploYsts generally from Pan-Amer-
lea as 9dfording an opportune incentive
to- unite action on the part of the neu-
trails in asking for the removal of all
belligerent warships from the American
coasts.