Imperial Valley press., 1915-02-16
lBY Herbert Tennlel

London, Feb. 16.-Gcrmany's pro-
posal that England abandon the en-
bargo upon foodstuffs CONSIGNED to the
German civil population in return for
Germany calling off the submarine
campaign against English merchant
shipping was presented to the cabinet
IN extraordinary session today by Earl
Grey. According to reliable reports
the German proposal will be rejected
IN its entirety.
At the conclusion Of the cabinet
meeting it was announced that King
George would hold privv council
late today or tomorrow. He is ex-
pected to sign a proclamation prohib-
ting the transportation Of foodstuffs
TO Germany and setting forth various
retallatory methods adopted against
Germany because of its threatened
blockade.
London, Feb. 1G.-"No COMPROMISE. ;"
This was The attitude of the British
government today i'm reference to the
German proposal, transmitted through
the American government. that If
England would pass foodstuffs for the
civilians Of Germany, the Kaiser's ad-
miraltV will rescind the order estab-
fishing a war zone about the British
Isles.
London newspapers declare Ger
many's proffer is an indication of the
kaiser's government weakening before
the storm aroused in neutral coun-
tries-ltaly, Holland and the United
States-by its warning that neutral
shipping is liable to suffer.
The comment of the press may be
summarized thus: Germany has chal-
lenged u.s. We have accepted the chal-
lenge. Now let Germany begin op-
eratiCns. In declaring a blockade of
British coasts it defied every instlu-
ment of warfare
Britain's New Doctrine.
Washington, Feb. 16.-A new doc
trine will soon be promulgated by
Great Britain, making foodstuffs alb
solute contraband, and it is expected
this will be opposed by the United
States.
There is evidence today that the
state department will dispute any
pi ylouncement which eliminates en-
tifely conditional contraband from neu-
tfal ships in time of war. Repre-
sentations made to Great Britain in
the Welhelmina case will bring this
issue to focus.
1t is understood Great Britain will
cache the cargo of the Wilhelmina on
account.of the German war zone dec
laration and at the same time issue
statement Of her policy, practically
instituting a blockade of the entire
German coast.
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to keep all American foodstuffs out
of Germany and that the American
government is preparing to question
the British right to keep such impor-
tations from the civilian portion of
the population of the German en-
pire.
England and Germany are jockey
ing for strategic position in the dip
lomatic game that is to follow. Ger
many his offered to withdraw its war
zone declaration if England will al
low the Wilhelmina-to reach its Ger
man port.
Great Britain contends that the Will
helmina's cargo is made absolute con-
traband by the decree of the German
government Communicating all food
stuffs, and Germany in reply has Of
fered a rigid guarantee Jhat all mn
ported foodstuffs sent to Germany will
90 solely to non-combatants.
Great Britain replies that. even if
this were true, it merely releases other
foodstuffs for use of the troops at the
front. and therefore may rightly be
called absolute contraband.
Developments in the case will not
come until the prize court decision is
rendered regarding the Wilhelmina's
cargo.
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