New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-01-12
Prepared to Give Britain
Facts of Trade
Interference.
MAY SET TIME
LIMIT FOR REPLY
England Will Send Com
mercial Expert to Aid
in Negotiations.

States is prepared 20 lay all Of its
facts regarding unreasonable deten-
,ions Of American ships and cargoes
before the British government and to
urge more pointedly and more force
fully than heretofore that these inter
ferences shall cease. Il Is expected
that unless the British supplementary
note proves far more enlightening and
far more convincing than any evidence
thus far at hand IN the state Depart
ment indicates the American govern
ment will be much more forceful IN It's
language than the previous note would
indicate.
Secretary Bryan expressed the hope
to-day that the British supplementary
renlv. which, II is promised. VIII 90
INTO details Of the controversy regard
ING interferences with American snip
ming. will be delivered to the State De
narfrent within the next several
DAYS" The Secretary declined to be
more specifc. He outlined the attitude
Of the United States as one OF waiting
for more details and for the complete
exclamation Of the British points of
view before answering the preliminary
note.
II is believed that the United States
is prepared TO attempt TO controvert
much that is contended by Sir Edward
Grey with regard TO the detention OF
American ships. The first published
American note is regarded here as
measurably conservative document.
The numerous SPECIFIC complaints
against seizures Of American ships and
cargoes which preceded the general
note are known 20 have been far less
conservative in phraseology than was
the general note with a view to right
ING the wrongs complained Of forth
with. These specific notes did not &C
complish their object, and hence the
general complaint.
Mr.. BRYAN indicated that the State
Department will set time limit with
in which the British reply should be
Forthcoming. He told his callers that
the answer Of the United States would
probably be held UP awaiting the Brlt-
ish complete answer. but he indicated
quite clearly that there was limit
beyond which the waiting would not
extend
II is admitted at the State Depart
ment that the action Of some American
exporters and ship masters has placed
the British in possession of strong
argument in favor Of its present posi-
ton. But with the recent arrange
ments for having outgoing cargoes
loaded under the inspection Of Treas
ury officials. and with the system of il
censes which the British note states
has been arranged TO prevent rubber,
and perhaps wool, exported from Amer
lea from reaching Germany and Aus
49,. 80, L. Ia1f
that tn way soon will be open for a
completely satisfactory understanding
between the two governments.
The reply of Great Britain 10 the
American protest was received almost
with indifference by members Of the
Senate. Many Senator'S did not take
the trouble 10 read il carefully, and
others were not disposed TO venture
an opinion as 10 its effect
On the Democratic side there was a
disposition TO regard the reply as sat
isfactory and as indicating that an
smicable adjustment would be reached.
Senators Hoke Smith, James and others
expressed this view, and there was an
apparent desire by Democrats to allay
any hostility that might have been
aroused by the diplomatic exchange.
The British Ambassador. Sir Cecil
Spring Rice, had separate conferences
to-day with Secretary Bryan. Coun-
sellor Lansing and Solicitor Johnson
at the State Department. He told Mr..
Bryan il would be several days before
the full British reply was delivered at
Washington.
Great Britain has decided TO send a
commercial adviser of high rank to
Washington to take special charge OF
Il e 81, a.,
negotiations. His identity is not vet
known here, but he is believed TO be a
prominent commercial expert of Great
Britain. who will act in cooperation
with Sir Cecil Sprng-Rice. who has
pointed out Of the value Of such an
assistant.
An explanatory statement was issued
by the British Embassy to-day with
regard 20 the reported refusal Of
American and Italian ship concerns TO
transport goods consigned to Switzer-
7 land. This statement endeavors to
quiet apprehension with regard to
cargoes destined TO Switzerland. 1t
! says:
at is understood that certain Ameri-
can and Italian shipping lines are re-
/ fusing TO carry goods consigned by
J name TO Swiss firms, and that this re-
/ fusal has been attributed in some
| quarters TO some suggestion or action
/ on the part of the British authorities.
/ There is no foundation whatever for
/ the latter statement. The British gov
eminent is, on the contrary. most
/ anxious that no restrictions whatever
/ should be placed in the way Of articles
intended for bona fde consumption in
] Switzerland"