The Washington times., 1915-12-27
BRYAN KILLED.
NEUTRALUNION.
IS ACCUSATION.
Chilean CounseIor's Report I o
Pan American Congress
Opens Secret History.

A powerful league Of neutral nations, !
composed of twonty-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 treatise on inter-
national law, prepared by DR., Alejandro
Alvarez for the Pan-Americsn Scientific
Congress, according to a Washington
article of the International News
Service. ~
Suggested Union.
Br. 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-
rope ne ct La Neutralite du Chill"
In discussing the last conference OF
the commission on neutrality of the
governing board Of the Pan-AmerIcan
l'npn in December. 1914, and January,
1915. he says:
I'm order to gain protection against
the annoyance Cthe abuse OF neutral
Tights), the minister from Ecuador pre-
sented in the name Of his government,
, the following motion:
"'That a union of American diplo-
mats be convoked with the object that
they obtain a declaration from the bel
ligerents to consider the seas bordering
upon the coastline of the Americas as
neutral zone and that the waters be
holly protected from all operations or
war which might damage neutral COM
merce.
And that. in view of the peril that
has resulted from violation of the neu-
trality of certain nations. 1t 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-
tice any idea or system which might
alter substantially the intern9tional
law in force, for such measures would
result indirectly in favoTing one OF
the bclligerents; that it was not easy
to adopt such a procedure without
appearing to show Partially.
''The Secretary Of State of the United
States added that 1t was of great i'm
portance to study, for the present, the
notifications which. based upon eE-
perience, could be introduced, after the
wer into international low"
Though DIR. Alvarez does not make
any further comment on the incident,
the correspondent asserts. ether dipio.
Mr. Bryan unashed the entire proposal,
though every other member OF the con-
ference representing every american
republic. save one, was IN FAVOR OF such
neutrality league.
Turned Down Plan.
They interpret Mr.. Bryans statement
that such measures would result in
directly in favoring one Of the hellig'
erents"-to have reference to Germany
and therefore that he opposed tho for
nation of a neutral league because II
might operate in favor OF German
commerce in American waters
DR.. 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 sc
absolute a character that all the mer-
chant marine, even that of the neu-
the government of Chile judged 1t neces'
sary to revive the idea of a union of al
the neutral nations, not only OF Amer
lea, but of Europe, for safeguarding
their rights.
1T suggested to its ambassador ir
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 fatty turned down the
proposition of a league of neutrals.
Both before the Pan-American Con
Rress and the American Institute of In
ternational Law, in session here this
week. Or. Alvarez will urge a clos,
union of neutrals. He desires to have
such a league facilitate the considera
tion and proposal of peace terms to bel
ligerent nations.
Has Specific Plan.
Among South American delegates
there is a general feeling that ir tho
United States Government had insisted
on neutral rights. and had Joined the
others in neutral league a year ago
wher first proposed to Mr.. bryan, tn,
war might now be over.
They are of the opinion that tn,
abuse of international law would no
have been countenanCed. The be'liger
cntN nations. from sheer self fshness
would have reconsidered their declara
tlCnS with view TO tne commercial SIT
uation after the war
DIR. Alvarez comes to the Pan. -.Amerl
can Congress with a specific plan 70
q Union of neutrals. He VIII propos
that as soon AS rupture of negotiation
between nations Is declared, all the neu
trails shall send representatives to al
assembly or a commission at The HaSu
or some other place.
He provides that the first duty G
such a commission will be to OFFER II
services as a mediator to prevent c
stop the conflict. AS soon as hostilitie
begin the commission of neutrals sha
decree the list OF articles which shoul
be declared cOntraband of war and sha
regulate, in effect. the conditions
commerce, of the neutrals with the be
lgerents. to review the actions of thos
armies. particularly in reference to Drii
Oners' camps. the Red Cross Societ!
and non-combatants.
Their report shall be made to ii
commission of neutrals. which sha
then make demands. II necessary, on II
bclliEerent who has offended internI
tional law.
The commission he proposes, wi
serve also as an intermediary for II