Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-04-06
MAsIIINGroN. April 8.

"a
A modification in practice of the Brit
sh embargo on neutral trade with Ger
many, without the actual amendment of
the otder In council issued in the bread
war today was expected to result from
the American note declaring the action
of the Allies unlawful This was the
belief in official quarters following the
publication of the text of the Admins
trations communication.
THE friendly spirit of the note, II is
believed. will have much weight in in
dNcing Great Britain and France to make
easier conditions of neutral commerce be-
tween neutral ports.
While the American reply Is firm in its
declaration that the position of the AL
lies is untenable from a legal standpoint,
there is no hint of threat in 1t, the
strongest expression being the warning
that this Government will insist that
England and France make full repara-
tion for any loss suffered by American
shipping through the acts of their naval
commanders.
considerable significance was attached
to the clause which practically enuncated
American attitude toward Germany.
III the course pursued by the pres
eut enemies of Great Britain" the note
read, Should prove to be In fact tainted
by illegality and disregard of the
principles of war sanctioned by en-
llEhtened nations, 1t cannot be supposed
wish the same taint to attach to their
own actions or would cite such illegal
/ acts as in any sense or degree n justl-
fication for similar practices in their
part"
Diplomats here regarded this para
fraph as the most unreserved and un-
compromising utterance the State De-
artment has yet made concerning the
ubmarine blockade of England, and It
issgeneraiiy held to be dangerously close
To an expression of official opinion of
Germanys war policy.
Another significant feature OF the COM
municaton Is held to be the clause which
virtually recognizes q belligerents right
to, impose a blockade OF the entire ocean,
In SO far as enemy's ships are concern
ed as a condition brought about "by the
great changes which have occurred in
the conditions and means OF naval war
fare"
Diplomatic and international law spe-
cihllsts are convinced that the British
Government will not permit American
pressure to cause relaxation In the
strinEency of the present blockade, but
it, Is also held that Great Britain prob
-ahly will make all financial amends for
Interference with neutral trade that con-
ditions seem to Justify.
Even though a blockade should exist
and be enforced" declares the note to
Great Britain, innocent shipments may
be fully transported to and from the
United States through neutral countries to
belligerent territory without being subject
to- the penalties of contraband traffic or
breach of blockade, much less to deten-
tion, requisition or confscation."
This attitude, the United States points
out Is based on the Declaration of Paris
OF 1876. which held that free ships make
free goods"
Because of the Introduction of subma-
rnes and other methods of warfare Great
Britain's right to wide scope of blockade
is sndmitted but her plan to shut off ac-
cess to neutral ports is called 'unprece-
dented" and an ''unqualhed denial of the
sovereign rights of the nations now at
peace"
ITO admit it," says the communication,
would be to assume an attitude of un-
neutrality toward the present enemies of
Great Britain, which would be obviously
Inconsistent with the solemn obligations
of this Government in the present circum-
stances, and for Great Britain to make
such claim would be for her to abandon
and set at naught the principles for which
she has consistently and earnestly con-
tended In other times and circumstances"
IN conclusion the United States states
Its expectation that Great Britain, after
having considered "the possibilities of Sc
rions interruption of American trade, will
take the steps necessary to avoid them,
and in the event that they should un-
heppiiy occur Will be prepared TO make
fun PREPARATION for every act which under
the rules of international law constitutes
a violation OF neutral rights"