The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-02-11
AND USE OF NEUTRAL FLAGS
NOTES ARE ASKING FOR
INFORMATION.
Position Of Government is Reserved
Until Definite Statement Is
Received.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 10 - The
United States government today sent
a note to Great Britain making friend
ly observations on the use by British
ships OF neutral flags and at the same
time dispatched n communication to
Germany inquiring what steps would
be taken by German naval command
ers to verify the identity Of ships fly
ing neutral flags in tho recently pro-
claimed zones of war around England
and ireland.
While the Lusitania incident is not
mentioned. the representations to
Great Britain are based on the state
ment OF the British foreign office JUS
Trying the use OF neutrai flags by her
merchantmen TO escape capture. The
american government points out how
frequent and continued use OF this
strategem might cast a doubt on the
Character of the vessels really en-.
titled TO fly the American flag and pro-
duce dangers to which neutral ships
ought not to be subjected on the high
seas and in unblockaded waters.
In the note to Germany IL is under.
stood that the United States asked
how the German admiralty proposed
to carry out in practice its recent pro-
'clamation of war on merchant ships
and its warning that on account of
the misuse OF neutral flags by beIli.
gerents vessels of neutrals could not
always be distinguished when attack
was made.
Bring Complications.
The Introduction of the submarine
INTO warfare produces a situation not
covered by any existing declaration of
International law. but the United
states has made II clear, II is under
stood, that an attack on a vessel fiying
the American flag without first ascer-
tanning definitely hat such use was
fictitious could not but be viewed
gravely by the American government
and bring about serious complications.
The United States has not fully ex-
pressed itself on the German pro-
clamation. however, combining itself
for the present to an inquiry for more
information on which future repre-
sentations may OF may not be based.
There is no evidence as yet, for ex-
ample, that any American ship will be
threatened, for German naval com
manders may have a complete de-
scripuon OF such vessels, making IL
posslnle 10 give assurances that no
American ship win be molested.
Both notes. which are TO be pre-
scented by the American ambassadors
at London and Berlin, are brief ana
couched in friendly spirit. Neither
makes a protest. but each points out
how the recent developments NAV ser
lously embarrass the voyages OF neu-
tral ships on the high seas which
always have been considered free TO
them in times OF war as well as peace
Would Not Discuss Notes.
secretary Bryan declined 10 discuss
either communication but probabIv
the text OF both or paraphrase will
be made public as soon as the teIe-
grams reach their respective destina-
lions. The course OF the American
government has been more or less
foretold by President Wilson who has
pointed out to callers that while tbera
Is no rule OF international law against
the use OF neutral flag by a bellig.
erent vessel and the ruse is often ro-
sorted In times OF war. nevertheless
was regarded as proper in the cIrcum.
stances to make representations on
tho dangers to neutrals which mirbt
ensue from such changes in nag Am.
ing voyage OF a boliigercnt vessel
representative Browning. Of New
Jersey read TO the house today a let.
yer from Charles $. Braddock. Jr.. OF
Haddonfield. y. J., who was senior
watch officer on the U. S. S ResoI,,,o
during the Spanish war. telling how
mat vessel hoisted the British epsig,
and sailed under n all day In the car.
ihtean waters 70 deceive Spanish de-.
stroyers.