The Washington times., 1915-12-27
BRYAN KILLED.
NEUTRALUN|ON.
IS ACCUSATION
Chilean Counselor's Report t o
Pan : American Congress
Opens Secret History.

A powerful league Of neutral nations.
composed of twenty-one American re-
publics. would now be in existence had
II not been for the attitude of former
Secretary of state Bryan.
This revelation Of the secret history
Of international conferences of this
Administration is made public in an
advance copy of n treatise on inter-
national law, prepared by DR.. Alcjandro
Alvarez for the Pan-American Scientific
Congress, according to Washington
article of the International News
Service. ~
Suggested Union.
Nr. Alvarez is considered the most
brilliant authority on international law
in Latin America. He Is former coun-
selor Of the ministry of foreign affairs
in Chile. present counselor of tho
Chilean legations in Europe. and dele
gate from Chile. Costa Rica, and Ecua-
dor to the present congress on inter-
national law.
His treatise is published in French,
and is called La Grande Guerre Eu-
rome nc ct LA Neutralite du Chilli"
In discussing the last conference OF
the commission on neutrality of the
governing board of the Pan-American
,'npn in December. 1914, and January.
1915 he says
I'm order to gain protection against
the ANNOYANCE fthe abuse of neutral
richts). the minister from Ecuador pre-
sented in the name Of his government,
the following motion
THAT union of American diplo-
mats be convoked with the object that
they obtain a declaration from the bel
Iigerents to consider the seas bordering
upon the coastlinc of the Americas as
neutral zone. and that the waters be
wholly protected from all operations of
war which might damage neutral com
mcrCe.
And that. in view OF the peril that
las resulted from violation Of the neu-
tralty of certain nations. it be declared
that the neutrality of each one OF the
nations of America concerned all the
others.
"Thc minister from Peru presented an
analogous proposition.
Reason for Opposition.
But the president of the governing
board of the Pan American Union,
Mr.. Bryan, observed that 1t was very
difficult to put into immediate prac-
,ice any idea or system which might
alter substantially the International
law in force. for such measures would
itSull III iuN'' oh' "
the bclli;cerents; that it was not easy
to adopt such a procedure without
appearing to show part!nlity.
THE Secretary Of State of the United
States added that it was of great i'm
portance to study. for the present. the
perience. could be introduced, after the
wSr, into international low
Though DIR. Alvarez does not mike
any further comment on the incident.
the correspondent asserts. ether diplo-
mats at the conference indicated that
Mr.. Bryan Unashed the entire proposal,
ference representing every American
republic. save one. was IN favor OF such
a neutrality league.
Turned Down Plan.
They interpret MI Brvan's statement
that such measures would result in
directly in favoring one Of the heliig-
erents'-to have reference to Germany.
and therefore that he opposed tho for
nation of neutral league because 1t
might operate in favor Of German
commerce in American waters.
Or. Alvarez continues
After the German government had
declared the blockade of France and
Great Britain by the means of the sub
marine, and had given the blockade so
absolute a character that all the mer-
chant marine. even that of the neu-
trails. ran huge risks in the said zone,
the government of Chile judged it neces-
sary to revive the idea of a union of all
the neutral nations, not only of Amer
tea, but Of Europe, for safeguarding
their rights.
TT suggested to its ambassador in
Washington that careful study should
be given to the form in which the
states Of America might proclaim them
selves in accord on questions of neutral
ity."
Again Or. Alvarez indicates the Ad-
ministration natly turned down the
proposition OF league of neutrals.
Both before the Pan-American Con-
Gress and the American Institute of In
ternatonal Law. In session here this
union of neutrals He desires to have
such a league facilitate the considera
tion and proposal of peace terms to bel
ligcrent nations.
Has Specific Plan.
Among South American delegates
there is a general feeling that il the
i'nitcd States Government had insisted
on neutral rights. and had Joined the
others in neutral league year ago.
whrr first proposed to Mr. Rryan. the
war might now be over
They are of the opinion that the
abuse of international law would not
have been countcnanCpd. The beligcr-
"nt' nations. from sheer Seltishncss.
uatiOn after the war
Dr. Alvarez comes to the Pan Nmcri-
can Congress with specific plan for
\ union of ncutrals. He VIII propose
that as soon AS rupture of negotiations
between nations is declared, all The neu.
trals shall send representatives to ar
assembly or a commission at The Hague
or some other place.
lie provides that the first duty o
such a commission will be to offer IT.
services as n mediator to prevent o
stop the conflict. AS soon as hostilitie
begin. the commission of neutrals shal
decree the list OF articles which shoul'
be declared contraband of war and shal
regulate. in effect. the conditions o
commerce, of the neutrals with the bel
ligercnts. to review the actions of thos
armies. particularly in reference to Dris
oners' camps. the Red Cross Society
and non-combatants.
Their report shall he made to tn
commission of neutrals which shal
then make demands. If necessary, on tn
bclliGcrent who has offended interna
tional law.
The commission. he proposes. vii
serve also as an Intermediary for tn
negotiations for peace.