The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-03-16
POINT BLANK REFUSAL
BY GREAT BRITAIN
Is Reply to American Proposal to With
draw Blockade of Food Intended
for German Civilians.

| London, March l6.-The British foreign
office delivered yesterday 10 Ambassador
Page its reply to the American note pro-
posing to Great Britain and Germany
| the withdrawal of the German subma
rine blockade provided England would
permit food to reach German civilians.
Great Britain's reply is an absolute re-
! fusal.
The foreign office also delivered to the
ambassador Great Britain's reply TO the
American note inquiring for further in
formation in regard to the measures to
be taken by the allied powers to cut Off
trade to and from Germany. The reply
to this note is based largely upon the
order in council which was issued yester-
day.
Great Britain's refusal to accept the
American proposals to this country and
Germany is due to the reasons outlined
several days ago.
Great Britain made known to the world
yesterday in a formal proclamation.
signed in council by the king and issued
from Buckingham palace, how she pur-
poses to sever all the arteries Of sea
commerce to and from Germany during
the period of the war.
As in Premier Asquith's speech fore
casting the order. the term BLOCKADE" Is
not used and no prohibited area is de-
fined Nevertheless. the text OF the or
der makes plain England's purpose to
prevent commodities Of any kind from
reaching or leaving Germany during the
war
British officials frankly called the
movement n blockade, the foreign office
describing it as. an effective blockade
differing from the effective blockades of
history only in that the property seized
will not be confscated outright, but sold,
the proceeds eventually going to the
owners.
In the last clause Of the proclamation
il the proposal most interesting TO neu-
trails. This is fiat agreement to lift
the BLOCKADE" in case anv nation viii
certify that the ships flying its flags
shall not carry goods to Germany, or
therein or belonging TO sub |
jects of the German empire.
II is notable that the order declares /
no intention to capture ships of Ger
many's allies, Austria and Turkey, the |
reason being no doubt. that the measure /
Is avowedly a reprisal against the Ger. /
man submarine warfare. However. cor
Ion of ships viii be maintained to shut |
Df the commerce OF German ports and \
regulate trade in the war zone. although 4
ships voyaging eastward across the At
antic will il is expected. be seized be.
lore they reach the North sea.
When neutral vessel is held up. in
III cases. except where there is a false
declaration of destination. or other at
.empt at subterfuge the cargo only will
le seized, provided it is not contraband
The foreign office emphasizes the fact
hat wide discretion is allowed prize
'ourt officials handling neutral claims
Prominent officials urge upon neutral
governments to bear in mind that MANY
'owers are conferred by the order on the
Ulcers entrusted with the disposition OF
detained cargoes and instructions will be
Tiven these men TO act with the great {
ST dispatch consistent with the proper !
Of their tasks.
The elasticity of the order in so far AZ .
{ affects neutrals is pointed out by the ,
oreign Office, which has called attention J
rom the first announcement Of the re- .
,risal policy 10 the fact that the regula
ions are not infexible where the reports ,
4 neutrals are concerned.
While the order is absolute in so far
s ships 10 and from German ports are
using the word "must" in
how goods shall be discharged
n English ports, the provisions concern
NJ cargoes destined for neutral ports set
orth that .hev "may be required TO dis
harge" AZ British ports.
This language is tvpical Of the general 6
ttitude Of British officials toward neu .
raj trade Nd