Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1915-03-02
All Commercial Intercourse
by Sea With Germany
Now Is Prohibited.
NON -CONTRABAND
GOODS INCLUDED
United States Claims Dec
laration Is Violation of
International Law.

WAsIIINGroN. March l'-AI
w commercial Intercourse by sea
between Germany and the outside
world today was declared prohibited
hy Great Britain and France.
Identical notes presented by the
French and British ambassadors here
informed the United States goyern-
mcnt OF this drastic step by the allies
in reply to Germany's war zone proc
lamation.
II this policy is enforced It will no
longer be possible to ship cotton,.
manufactured articles and commodi-
ties hitherto of Il non-contraband
character from the United States to
Germany directly or indirectly and
from the latter country the supply OF
dyestuffs and other merchandise for
this country will be cut Oft
The impression was general In Of
flclal quarters tonight that a strong
| protest would be made against the ac-
Itiof of the allies which was regarded
as an unprecedented and novel step.
Officials pointed out that In the re-
! prsals which the bellgerents were
making toward each other there was
singular forgetfulness OF the fact that
whatever might be the violations OF
international custom as between those
countries at war. this could not affect
the status Of international rules. as be-
tween the United States and countries
with which she was at peace.
still Hopeful.
Assurances given by Great Britain
that today's note was not a reply to
the recent proposals. OF the United
10 ~ aHi nF ba an
tire situation which led to the retalla-
tory measures gave ground for some
hopes that the measures taken might
he only of a temporary character In
this connection the state department
issued the following statement
''rhe British ambassador has pre-
sented the following instructions from
his government:
"'When presenting joint Anglo
French communication you should in
form United states government that
communication received from them
through the United States ambassador
In London respecting a possible limi-
tation OF use Of submarines and mines
and an arrangement for supplying
food to Germany Is being taken into
careful consideration by his majesty's
government in consultation with their
allies"
The text Of the British note, which
was the same as the statement in the
house OF commons by Premier As
qulth. was given out at the state de-
partment, with the Information that
the French note was practically iden-
teal.
Copies OF the notes were iumedi-
.ately sent by Secretary Bryan TO Presi-
dent Wilson.
l. Most Complex Problem.
state department officials admitted
that one Of the most complex prob
lens or the war had arisen. Officials
were unanimous in their opinion that
the notification could not be called a
BLOCKADE" although IL had virtually
the effect OF the same. Ii was noted
generally that the communication did
not use the word "blockade." and at
the French and British embassies here
there was an avoidance OF the same
word. The notes leave much, there
fore. 10 be explained.
II was rega rded as practically ceT-
tain that the United States would re-
ply promptly with an inquiry as 10
how the step was to be carried into
practice, together with protest
against the announcement that COM
merce between Germany and neutral
hereafter would be inter-
rupted 10y the allies
Officials and diplomats Immediately
were curious. on reading the text. 20
know what would be the disposition
Of cargoes hitherto not listed as con-
such as.cOtton. which. II des-
tined for Germany. the allied fleets
propose TO take into British and
French ports.
United states Firm.
An intimation was conveyed In Brit
sh quarters that the allies intended
~ buy outright all such cargOes. but
such a promise would not affect tho
OF the United states to
insist on its right to send non-contra-
band articles to Germany when the
question is argued IN further dlplo-
matte correspondence.
Just when the United States govern
ment will act on the latest note is de-
pendent TO some extent on when the
replies are received from the allies
and Germany to the informal COM
looking to an abolition of
,u ubmarine warfare on merchant ships
md the shipment OF fOOdstuffs to the
'lvl population OF belllgerents.
Germany's answer is said TO be on
IS way. and officials expect that Il
Sil be practically an acqulescence IN
he principle OF the American pro-
losals From Great Britain not
word had come in several days until
oday's statement that the matter was
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