The Detroit times., 1915-01-11
WASHINGTON RE-
CARDS BRITISH REPLY
AS FRIENDLY Y
tCentInued from page one,

Netherlands, would be officially drawn
into the shipping controversy. Al
though Great Britain specifically de-
MED there was any complaint against
the neutrals because OF evident ef-
forts to violate neutrality by re-ex-
pc ortations OF contraband, the active as
we'll az the moral support OF these
neutrals was believed possible II
was thought that in some manner, by
affidavits or notes from the foreign
Offices Of the neutrals TO the state de-
partment, for transmission with the
prospective United States rejoinder
note, the neutrals will deny that the
mere fact of importation OF abnormal
quantities OF copper and other sup
plies fs basis for suspicion that re-
expectation In violation OF neutrality
was contemplated.
Some officials expressed belief today
that voluntary concessions and less
rigorous rules will be adopted by Great
Britain, while the controversy is pend
ing that will. TO a large extent. anne
liorate conditions complained Of.
The text OF the British note fol-
lows:
Foreign office. Jan. :. 1915
Your Excellency: / have the honor
OF the 2sth Of December.
IL Is being carefully examined and
the points raised in IL are receiving
consideration. as the result OF which a
reply shall be addressed TO your ex-
cellency, dealing in detail with the is
sues raised and the points TO which the
United states government have drawn
attention. This consideration and the
preparation Of the reply will neces-
sarily require some time, and / there
fore desire 10 send without further de-
which shall. trust. help TO clear the
ground and remove some misconcep-
tions that seem to exist.
Recognize Friendliness.
Let me say at once that we entire
ly recognize the most friendly spirit
referred TO by your excellenoy, and
that we desire TO. reply in the same
spirit and in the belief that as your
excellency states. frankness will best
serve the continuance OF cordial re-
lauons with the two countries
Ills matesty's government cordially
concur In the principle enunciated by
the government OF the United States
that belligepent dealing with trade
between neutrals should not Interfere
10 protect the belligerents national
safety, and then only TO the extent 70
which II is necessary. We shall
endeavor 10 keep our action within
the limits Of This principle on the
understanding thai IL. admits our right
TO Interfere when such interference is.
United States and another neutral
country, but with trade In eontraband
destined for the enemy's country and
We are ready whenever our action may
unintentionally exceed this principle
TO make redress
Sees Observation-Disclosures.
I'VE think that much misconceptio
exists as TO the extent to which we
have in practice. interfered with trade
Your excellency's note seems 70 hold
his matesty's government responsible
for the present condition OF trade with
neutral countries. and IL is stated that
through the action OF his majesty
government, he products OF the great
Industries OF the United states have
In European countries. which, though
central. are contiguous 20 the seat OF
war
''such result ~ far from being tn,
intention OF his maJesty's government
and they would exceedingly regret thai
" should be due TO their action. i hav,
been unable TO obtain complete or con
elusive hguTes showing what the stat,
OF trade with these neutral countrie.
has been recently, and can, therefore
only aek that some further considera
tion should be given 10 the question
where United States trade with thes,
neutraf countries has been so seriously
ssrhs only figures as TO the total vol
ume af trade that / have seen ar,
those Tor the exports from New Yorl
for the month OF November. 1914. an,
they are "a follows. compared witt
The month OF November. 1913:
her isis. and November 1914. respec
ielS\ 1914
Denmark ....s 55sOo0\ S7.lO1.00
Norway ...s...... f4Lo00 S.5l 500
,,a,y '..''..''.. s'ysi,yS9 ssa 900 5000 800 SS
m i true that there may have pee
falling on in. cotton exports. as q
which New YORK hEures would be ~