The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-08-04

ted. a right which has obviously no
value save In so far as IL gives power
10 belligerent to cut on the sea
borne exports and imports OF his
enemy. The contention which I un-
derstand the United States govern
ment now puts forward Ia that N a
belligerent Is 80 circumstanced that
his commerce can pass through ad-
jacent neutral ports as easily as
through ports IN his own territory
bis opponent has no right 10 interfere
and must restrict his measures OF
blockade In such a manner as TO leave
such avenues OF commerce still open
TO his adversary. This is a contention
which his majesty's government feel
unable to accept and which seems to
them unsustainable either In point OF
law or upon principles OF Information
al equity.
They are unable to admit that a
belligerent violates any fundamental
principle OF international law by ap-
plying a blockade In such way as
To cut on the enemy's commerce with
foreign countries through neutral
ports. II the circumstances render
such an application OF the principles
of blockade the only means of making
IL effective. The government OF the
United States. indeed. intimates it's
readiness TO take into account the
great changes which have occurred in
the conditions and means OF naval
warfare since the rules hitherto gov
erning legal blockade were formu-
lated and recognizes that the form
Of close blockade with its Gordon of
ships In the immediate offing OF the
hlngEQnGA L.
cable In the face OF an enemy possess
ing the means and opportunity to
make an effective defense by the use
of submarines. mines and air craft
The Only Question.
The only question then which can
arise In regard to the measures re-
sorted 20 for the purpose OF carrying
out a blackade upon these extended
lines is. whether. TO use your excel
lency's words they conform to the
spirit and principles OF the essence
OF the rules OF war And we shall
be content 10 apply this test TO the
action which we have taken in so far
as IL has necessitated interference
with neutral commerce"
Sir Edward Grey then refers 20 the
American Civil war blockade OF 1900
miles OF coast with a small number
OF vessels, and recalls how the
United States finally took recourse
TO blockading 'neighboring neutral
territory which afforded convenient
centers from which contraband could
be introduced into Confederate terri
tory and from which blockade run
ming could be facilitated"
Your excellency will no doubt re-
member" wrote Sir Edward. how. in
order to meet this new difficulty the
old principles relating to contraband
and blockade we're developed and the
doctrine Of continuous voyage was ap-
piled and enforced. under which goods
destined for the enemy territory were
Intercepted before they reached the
neutral ports from which they were
TO be re-exported
THE difficulties which imposed up-
on the United States the necessity Of
re-shaplng some of the old rules are
somewhat akin 10 those with which
the allies are now faced in dealing
with the trade OF their enemy. Ada
cent to Germany are various neutral
countries which afford her convenient
opportunities for carrying on her
trade with foreign countries. Her own
territories are covered by a network
of railways and waterways. which en-
able her commerce to pass convenient
(Contfnued on PaRe Tsnl