New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-05-23
u. S. Officials Object to
Statement That They
Waived Rights.
u. S. WON'T ASSENT
TO COUNCIL ORDER
Contends for Right to Trade
with Germany in Nom
Contraband Goods.
fRnn II. rrfhuns Rur.aul

Washington, May 22--Negotiations
which have been going on between the
foreign trade advisers Of the State De-
partment and the British Embassy for
the relief Of American shippers were
abruptly suspended to-day, and will not
again be continued until an official an
nouncement is made by the British
government that these negotiations
will be looked upon as entirely in
formal and unofficial and n no way
binding upon the United States.
Sir Cecil Spring Rice, the British
Ambassador, called at the State De
partment this afternoon and discussed
the subject with Secretary Bryan. 1t
is understood that he will take the sub
jet up with his government immeci-
ateiy.
The suspension of the negotiations
was brought about by a statement
issued by Sir Richard Crawford, the
commercial attach6 Of the British En-
bassy, relative to shipments OF goods
from Germany TO this country whlcn
we're purchased before March ! last.
The implication in this statement as
read here is the same as that contained
in Paragraph OF the British memo
randum published yesterday morning
II implied virtual assent 70 the Bit
ish Order IN Council. which TINS gov
eminent has consistently refused 10
give. As a result il was decided to
DAY that no more Of these informal
conferences will be held until DEFINITE
understanding has been reached as TO
their nature.
In announcing the suspension of the
negotiations the State Department
issued the following official statement:
in view of the differences when
have arisen in the informal and IN
official conferences between Sir Rlch-
ard Crawford, the commercial adviser
Of the British Embassy, and Robert :.
Rose and ". b. Fleming, the trade ad-
visers of the Department OF state VINO
have been, in personal capeclty, rep,
resenting the importers OF the United
States. Mr. Rose and Mr.. Fleming nave
decided that they cannot continue
these conferences until certain Of the
difficulties have been removed ana
thew have. therefore. made a full re
port of what has taken place to the
Department of State, and VIII await
its action"
Great Britain's effort 10 commit the
United States TO the arrangements IN
formal fashion is the cause OF the
present difficulty. l. IS felt by the
State Department that Great Britain's
IInlfNn
States government in the position OF
accenting certain of the principles
enunciated in the Order in Council OF
March II. which was issued by the
British government in retaliation for
the German wa zone decree Of Febru-
airy g.
Great Britain sought 10 supervise
the shipments Of goods purchased in
Germany prior 70 March /, 1915. which
she had announced would not be sub
iected to the same prohibition from
overseas shipment as goods purchased
subsequent 70 that date. The state De
partment adheres to the position that
to accept the restrictions would be tan
tamount to accepting the Order in
Council as a principle Of international
law. and that acquiescence would with
draw from the position that the Brit
ish had no right TO interfere with nom
contraband trade between Germany
and the United States.
Senator Smith Surprised.
As chairman Of the Congressional
committee selected last October 70 give
attention 10 the subject of cotton eX-
rorts. Senator Hoke Smith. of Georgia,
issued a statement tonight, in reply 70
he p~f- ch