New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-12-08
Evidence, 1t Is Said, OF
Germany Getting Con-
traband from u. S.
IMPORTANT PROPOSAL
SENT TO WASHINGTON
One Feature Is That Cargoes BE
Examined by Customs
Officials Here.
fRr Cabla 70 lie Trlbune !

London, Dec. THE British govern
ment has found evidence through the
searching of ships indicating an enort
to build up an illicit traffic IN contra
band between America and Germany.
The British searchers for contraDand
have found false manifests and other
irregularities. On more than one ship,
according TO The Tribune's informant,
who is a high official Of the British
government, rubber has been found un-
der false labels usually manifested as
gum. The matter has been placed De-
fore the American government:
This. action was taken incidental 10
the discussion which has been pro-
crossing for an arrangement between
the two governments covering inc
treatment of American commerce by
England's searchers for contraoahd
and concerning the British prohioltion
against the expectation OF certain ar
ticles from the empire. England de-
sired to support its claims OF the ne
cessity of taking a firm attitude by
showing what illicit things had already
bappened. thus justifying her course
and action and her views on the nature
of an agreement which should be made.
British Official Talks.
The British official said:
"The evidence we have shows there
are at work German sympathizers, and
| suppose others who seek by large
profits to smuggle through goods which
our enemies need. | don't know how
systematized this may be, but ! have
no doubt that those interested In
traffic of this sort put their heads to-
gether to decide what is the best
scheme for shipments, routes, etc, to
make their operations successful. we
naturally are taking every precauton
and keep the closest watch for contra
band. Ii this strict scrutiny seems TO
legitimate shippers unduly to interfere
with their operations, they must know
that it is only because of the Illicit
traffic of others, of which we have
ample evidence"
Long Series of Conferences.
After a long series of conferences
between the embassy and the British
Foreign Office there yesterday went
forward to Washington a series of pro-
posals which will be, if Washington
gives its approval, of great Importance
to American commerce, determining IN
a general way under what clrcum-.
stances American shippers and traders
ships must operate according TO Eng
lands view of what the situation re-
quires. England has set forth her
views fully, and it is believed the pro-
posals will be satisfactory to Wash
ington.
One feature is an examination of
cargoes before ships leave American
ports, probably by customs officials. II
4. A h.Ns nj "a
sure of the legitimacy of a manifest
and cargo the likelihood of interference
through search by British naval vessels
is reduced to a minimum, thus greatly
facilitating American trade.
No Wool To Be Exported.
England has also decided to lift the
prohibition on the expectation of GER
tain articles from the empire, this at
the behest of Washington on behalf of
certain industries. Wool, however, will
continue to be prohibited, as il has
been decided that the military estab-
lishments need all the available supply
from the whole empire, for the time
being, at least. Rubber, hides, jute and
certain metals and ores needed in the
steel industry will be taken off the list.
Americans, however, will be permitted
to obtain these articles only on fur
nishing assurances through the State
Department that they will not reach
England's enemies, and there will be
some system of permits for shipments.
The Prize Court settled an interest
ing legal point to-day by ruling that
the entire cargo of oil of the British
tank steamer Rumanian, which sailed
on November II from Port Arthur,
Tex, for Hull, was subject to seizure
because it was German-owned. This
decision upset the contention of the de-
fence that 1890 tons of oil, which at
the time Of seizure had been discharged
at Purfeet, England, was immune from
ronfscation