The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-01-01
NOTE OF PROTEST
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the policy adopted ey the British
government was due 20 the unespect-
ed outbreak Of hostiIities and the ne
eessity Of immediate action TO pre-
vent eontrabsnd from reaching the
enemy. For this reason u was not
disposed 70 Judge this policy hsrsniy
or protest against n vigorously, al
though u was nnsnifestiy very inIuri-
ovs to American trade with the neu-
trsi countries Of Europe. This gov
eminent. relying confidently upon the
high regard which Great Britain has
so often exhibited In the past for the
rights OF other nstions confidently
awaited amendment OF a course OF ae-
ton which denied to neutral com
meree the freedom to which u was
entitled BY the law OF nations
his expectation seemed to be rem
dered the more assured by the state
ment OF the foreign office early in No
vember that the British government
was satisfied with susrantees offered
by the Norwegian. Swedish and Dan.
ish governments as TO non-exportation
OF contraband goods when consigned
10 named persons in the territory OF
those governments. and that orders
had been given to the British fleet
and customs authorities to restrict in
reference with neutral vessels carry
Ing such cargoes so consigned 10 verl-
neation OF ships papers and cargoes.
a Matter OF Regret.
1T IL. therefore, a matter of deem
regret that. though nearly FIVE months
have passed since the war began. the
British government have not material.
~ changed their policy and do not
treat less vigorously ships and car.
goes passing between neutral ports in
the peaceful pursuit OF lawful com.
merce which belligerents should pro
tect rather than Interrupt. The great.
er freedom from detention and seizure
which was confidently expected 90 re-
suit from consinging shipments to def.
mite consignees. rather than To order
is still awaited.
IL IL needless to point out 20 His
Majestys government. usually the
champion OF the freedom of the seas
and the rights of trade, that peace
not war. is the normal relation be.
tween nations and that the commerce
between countries which are not bel.
hSerents should not be interfered with
oy those at war unless such interfer.
ence Is manifesuy an imperative ne.
cesslty TO protect their national safe.
" and then only to the extent that Il
Is a necessity. II is with no lack of
appreciation OF the momentous nature
OF the present struggle. in which Great
Britain Is engaged and with no selfish
desire TO gain undue commercial nd.
vantage that this government is reluct.
antly forced to the conclusion that the
present policy of His Majesty's gov.
eminent toward neutral ships and car.
goes exceeds the manifest necessity
OF belligerent and constitutes restric.
lions upon the rights of American cit.
liens on the high seas which are moi
justified by the rules OF international
law or required under the principle of
self preservation.
Chief Ground OF Complaint
The government Of the United
states does not intend at this time to
discuss the propriety OF including GER
tain articles in the lists of absolute
and conditional contraband. which
have been proclaimed by his majesty.
Open 10 objection as some OF these
seem to this government, the chief
ground OF the present complaint is
the treatment OF cargoes of both
classes OF articles when bound TO neu-
trail ports.
Articles listed as absolute contra.
band. shipped from the United States