Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-02
Protest Probable


The impression was general III OIL
cial quarters today that strong pro-
test would be made against the ac-
ton of the allies which was regard
ed as an unprecedented and mover
step. Officials pointed out that IN the
reprisals which the belligerents were
making toward each other there was
a singular forgetfulness OF the TACT
that. whatever might be the violations
Of international customs between these
countries at war they could not effect
the status of international rules as
between the United States and coun-
tries with which she was at peace. AS
surances given by Great Britain that
today's note was not reply 10 .he
recent proposals Of the United States
for an adjustment Of the entire SIT
uation which led to the retahatory
measures, gave ground for some nope
that the measures taken might be on
II of a temporary character.
Department Statement
In this connection, the state depart
ment issued the following statement:
The British ambassador has pre-
sentei the following instructions from
his government:
".When presenting joint Anglo-French
communication you should inform Uni
ted States government that communica-
ton received from them through the Uni
TED States ambassador in London re-
specting a possible Limitation of use OF
submarines and mines and an arrange
nent for supplying food TO Germany, is
being taken into careful consideration by
His Majesty's government in consuita-
ton with their allies.
The text Of the British note which was
the same as the statement in he House
of Commons by Premier Asqulh, was
given out at the state department with
the information that the French note
was virtually identical.
Copies Sent to President
Copies Of the notes were Immediately
sent by Secretary Bryan to President
Wilson. State department officials ad-
,aitted that one of the most complex
problems Of he war had arisen. Officials
were unanimous in their opinion that
the notification could not be called
Blockade" although it had virtually
the effect of the same. 1t was noted
the communication did not use the word
Blockade, and the French and BRUSH
embassies here, there was an aVoioance
of the same word. The notes leave
much, Therefore, to be explained
1t was regarded as almost certain that
the United States would reply promptly
with an inquiry as to how the step was
to roe carried into practice, together with
a protest against the announcement that
commerce between Germany and neutral
countries hereafter would be Interrupt
ted by the Allies.
Officials and diplomats Immediately
were curious on reading the text to know
what would be the disposition OF cargoeS
hitherto not listed as Contraband, sucn
as cotton. which il destined to Germany
the allied fleets propose to take into Brit
ish or French ports. An intimaton was
conveyed in British quarters that the
Allies intended TO buy outright all such
cargoes, but such a promise would not
affect the determination of the United
States to insist on its right to send non
contraband articles to Germany *nen
the1uestion is argued in further diplo-
matte correspondence.
Just when the United States govern
ment will act on the latest note IS de-
pendent to some extent on when the re-
plies are received from the Aires ana
Germany to the informal communication
looking to an abolition of submarine
warfare on merchant ships and the ship
ment of foodstuffs to the civilian popu-
lation of belligerents. Germany's an
swer is said to be on it's way and officials
eypect that it virtually will be an acQui-
essence in the principle OF the American
proposals.
In some quarters there was dispo-
sition to regard the American informal
communication as likely to fail of accom-
plishing anything beyond possible
amelioration of conditions as to mines
in the open seas.
Displeasure over the latest development
was unconcealed in state department cir
cles, where the stopping Of trade to and
from Germany was viewed as much more
serious than a blockade, since it inter-
fered with cargoes presumed to be bound
to belligerent while in transit to a
neutral country. Whereas the doctrine of
continuous voyage has previously been
invoked In the present war by Great
Britain to sustain her right to detain
cargoes at any stage in their journey il
proved ultimately to be destined to a bel
ligerent, such a presumption is under
stood now to include all articles Of mer-
chandise, such as cotton bound between
the United States and neutral countries
unless an embargo on re-exportation is
put into effect by the neutrals to whom
<ha productA are consigned
The infection Of an element of sus-
picion on cargoes Of goods hitherto un-
touched when bound between neutral
ports will greatly increase the duties of
the American government in protecting
the interests Of its shippers from undue
delays and detentions without sufficient
proof. The entire question of the right
set up by Great Britain to take neutral
vessels into ports for extended examina-