The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1915-01-01


ground that the countries 10 which
they were destined have not prohibit
ed the expectation OF such articles
Jnwarranted as such detentions are
IN the opinion OF this government. ali
exporters are further perpIexed by
the apparent INDIGESTION OF the British
authorities In applying their own
rules TO neutral cargoes For exam
pie. a shipment OF copper from this
country TO a specified consignee in
sweden was detained because. as was
stated by Great Britain. Sweden had
placed no embargo on copper. On the
other hand. Italy not only prohibited
the export Of copper. but. as this gov
eminent f. Informed. put in force a
decree that shipments TO Italian con-
signees OF to order which arrive in
ports OF Italy cannot be exported or
trans-shipped. The only exception
Italy makes is OF copper which passes
through that country in transit to
another neutral country In spite Of
these DEGREES. however. the British
foreign Office has thus far declined to
arrm that copper shipments con-
signed 10 Italy will not be molested on
the high seas. Seizures are so numer-
Gus and delays so prolonged that ex-
porters are afraid to send their cop
per to Italy. steamship lines decline
to accept il. and insurers refuse to
issue policies upon IL. In a word. a
legitimate trade is being greatly i'm
paired through uncertainty as to the
treatment which It may expect at
tue hands OF the British authorities.
To Determine Policy.
We feel that We are abundantly
justified in asking for information as
TO the manner in which the British
government propose 10 carry out the
policy which they have adopted in
order that we may determine the
steps necessary TO protect our citizens,
engaged in foreign trade. in their
rights and from the serious losses
TO which they are liable through ignor-
ance OF the hazards 20 which their
cargoes are exposed.
In case OF conditional contraband
the policy OF Great Britain appears
TO this government TO be equally uu-
justified by the established rules OF in.
ternational conduct. AS evidence OF
this. attention IL directed to the fact
that a number OF the American car
goes which have been seized consist
OF foodstuffs and other articles of
common use in all countries which are
admittedly relative contraband In
spite OF the presumption of innocent
use because destined to neutral terri
tory. the British authorities made
these seizures and detentions without,
so far as we are informed. being in
possession OF facts which warranted a
reasonable belief that the shipments
had in reality a belligerent destina-
tton, as that term il used in interna-
tional law. Mere suspicion IL not evil
dence and doubts should be resolved
In favor OF neutral commerce. not
against II. The effect upon trade
articles between neutral nations re-
sulting from interrupted voyages and
detained cargoes Is not entirely cured
by reimbursement OF the owners for
the damages. which they have suffered
after investigation has failed TO es-
tablish an enemy destination. The
injury IL 10 American commerce with
neutral countries as q whole through
the hazard OF the enterprise and the
repeated diversion OF goods from es-
tablished markets.
Detained Through Fear.
ut also appears that cargoes OF
this character have been seized by
the British authorities because of
belief that. though not originally so
ultimately reach the territory OF the
enemies Of Great Britain. Yet this
belief is frequently reduced to a mere
fear in view of the embargoes which
have been decreed by the neutral
countries. to which they are destined,
on the articles composing the cargoes.
That a consignment to order OF
articles listed rs conditional contra
band and shipped TO a neutral port
raises n legal presumption of enemy
destination appears TO be directly
contrary TO the doctrines previously
held by Great Britain, and thus stat.
ed by Lord Salisbury during the
South African war:
" 'Foodstuffs, though having a hos
tile destination. can be considered as,
contraband OF war only IL they are
for the enemy forces. IL Is not suf
ficient that they are capable OF be
ing so used. II must be shown that
this was in fact their destination at
the time Of the seizure
with this statement as TO condi-
tional contraband the views OF this
government are in entire accord. and
upon this historic doctrine. consist
emily maintained by Great Britain
when beliigerent. as well az a neu-
trail. American shippers were entitled
TO reply.
The government OF the United
States readily admits the full right Of
a belligerent 10 visit and search on
tho high seas the vessels OF Ameri-
can citizens OF other neutral vessels
carrying American goods and to de.
tain them WHEN THERE IS SUI.
FlCIENT EVIDENCE To JUSTIFY
\ BELIEF THAT CONTRABAND
ARTICLES ARE IN THEIR CAR.
GOES. but His Majesty govern.
ment. Judging by their ogn expert.
ence In the past. must realize that
this government cannot. without pro
test. permit American ships or Amer.
raU Carpoae IN 10 faEau Into nrfff-t