The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1915-09-30
LEGALITY OF BRITISH
BLOCKADE IS DENIED.

fiWdiu hIty OF Hcf OppItSnloh
of American commerce will De
sent forward irrespective of the
settlement of the differences be-
tween this government and Ger
many. h
The recent acts of Great
Britain in the packers cases have
shown that tempOrizing ON indi-
yidual eases was futile. This new
note will be a vigorous protest,
with certain strong statements
that the continuance of her course
by Great Britain could only be
regarded in AN unfriendly light.
The main points of the note
may be- summed up AS follows:
First The United States de
mes that the blockade establish
ed by Great Britain is legal, ex-
copi ms TO the ports in German
territory which are covered by
sufficient naval forces.
Second No blockade exists or
could exist ~ 10 Dutch and Sean
dinayian ports, because of the al
legation of such blockade rests
on the order in council, which IL
itself expression of AN illegal
i act
4 Third Seizure and dctenii0ns
Of neutral vessels bound 10 neu-
trail ports, except for brief visit
aud search. which could be exer-
ciscd on the high seas, are indie
frnslbe as contrary Ia law ana
II tradition.
Fourth The cndeayOr of Great
Britain. after seizure and detel
ton TO place the burden of proof
at innocence ON the Officers oil
the detained vessels is contrary
Ia international law. In this
part Of the note this government
denies absolutely there is any par
allel between the action OF the
United States government during
| the Ciyil War, and the action OF
| Great Britain in all eases OF
seizure on suspicion.
10 Fifth 4 reminder will be CIV
) On that Great Britain has been
I. advised frequently since the INST
- vessel was held up by British
& cruiser that the United States de
~ mauds reasonably sufficient proof
. should be- adduced by the cap
turing vessels, or that the
~ neutral vessels should be imme-
diately released.
l Sixth-All eases of seizure and
/ detention are essentially subject
10 diplomatic treatment, AMI
therefore Great Britain 8 course
4 ia denying diplomatic lnieryen'
A ton to eases ui seizure and De
I tenuon. and making them solely
subject 90 local courts of justice
Is essentially illegal. II is point
ed out that taking vessels mt"
port ON suspicion Is a practical ab'
ogallon 10y the rights OF Ties
vessels to be- visited aud search
III cXpcdiliollsly and held only to
the immediate production oil reas'
enable proof by tine capior.
seventh Great Britain : aiten
lion will be- called 10 the fact
that she has only recently put on
notice ina the caycat of the state
Department ia the packers eases
that this government proposes Ia
stand GA international law ~ I'M
Icrstood by all other nations rs
against the order IN council and
all orders of emergency or eXpe'
dicncy issued by Great Britain
which have operated against The
rights of neutral commerce.
Observation-Disclosures OF retail
alton is not accepted by this gov
cnmcnt. 1t is pointed out ina
= the State Department has mann
tanned the position that retaliation
,o- Is essentially wrong IN fact ah'
IN, IN principle.
ba Great Britain is told that TIM
government views with incrcaSIn'
Nv displcasurc aud alarm the results
,cr of her course. aud tells her thai
ic- She is expected to make definite
to promises of amendment, Other
~ WIS.,. the note says, this govern
he mrnt cannot fail 10 regard aeon
WI y" tinunnrc of the oppression of n
mrrlcan commerce aS AN unlrlehu
ma ~ attitude ON the part OF th'
nd British government