South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-01-11
BRITISH REPLY TO
U.S.NOTE DEFENDS
SHIPPING POLICY
High Officials of Administration
Gratified by Friendly Tone of
English Message But Admit
Few Concessions.

WASHINGTON. Jan. 1t-Copies
OF Sir Edward Crews note on the sub
Jet Of British seizures and detentiOns
Of American ships and cargoes were
given out at the state department
Sunday afternoon at o'clock. and
copies OF the text were also sent al
the same Cime TO the ambassadors and
ministers Of all countries represented
ia Washington with the exception of
Mexico.
The tone and spirit Of the reply
were most pressing TO the higher Of
hcials Of the administration. although
there developed "a sharp difference OF
attitude TO the conclusions of the Of
hcials and some OF the minor. but
expert diplOmatists Of the govern
ment. Without hesitation and frank
IL the opinion was expressed by the
higher authorities that the British at
titude gave promise OF a satisfactory
understanding between the two cOun-
tries without the slightest strain Of
friendship.
Has Conceded Nothing.
The opposition view was that
Great Britain had conceded nothing
except in the most general terms and
that she had obviously not receded
one 1.-THE, either from her opinion or
her practices. This faction as it may
be called said that there must now
he an early cabinet meeting on the
Grey note and that something definite
must be said TO Great Britain on the
main question which il. Does Great
Britain propose TO hold the United
States responsible for the failure of
the neutral countries 10 make good
British embargoes, or will Great
Britain continue to hold up American
ships and cargOes TO make good Great
Britain's agreement with foreign ma
tioEs?"
The officials who disagree with the
Optimists say that they see a keen
thrust at the politics Of the United
states, in the paragraph Of the Brit
ish note in which Sir Edward Grey
says pOintedly:
Can't Question PrOpriety.
II cannot believe that with such |
figures before them and in such cases |
as those just mentioned. the govern
ment of the United States would ques-
ton the propriety of the action of his
majesty's government in taking sus-
peCted cargOes TO "a prize court and |
we are convinced that it cannot be in |
accord with the wish either Of the !
government or of the people of the |
United States TO strain the interna- |
tiOnal code in favor of private inter- |
ests. SO as to prevent Great Britain |
from taking such legitimate means
for this purpose as are in their pow
er."
Optimists declare that If British |
action is made TO conform to British |
intention as declared by Sir Edward |
Grey. IL is believed much irritation on |
the part Of American shippers will be
avoided. Certainly the administra-
ton is not inclined TO ask any more
of Great Britain than a strict adher-
ence TO the rule of conduct laid down 4,
by the British secretary of state for |
foreign affairs.
Intended for Germany.
Sir Edward Grey states that there |
are four cOnsignments to Sweden at |
the present time Of copper and alum /
signed to Sweden. are, according 10 |
positive evidence in the possession Of /
his majestys government, definitely /
destined for Germany.
Thus the question of the honesty |
of American manufacturers is dis |
ttnctly and definitely raised by the |
British government. Pres't Wilson |
has already issued one warning TO /
American shippers on this point. the /
warning growing out of the allegation
by the British authorities that cop |
per has been found concealed in the |
bales OF a cotton cargo.
The administration probably will |
now issue a further warning about the |
sending of concealed cOntrabands in /
order that the bonahde trade of the |
United states may suffe~ as little as /
possible from suspicious raised by dis },
honest shipments.
Sec'y Bryan last night stated that |
the answer of Great Britain being pre- |
liminary and not intended as a com
plcte reply he would postpOnement !
making comments until the answer is
received.