The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1915-07-29

Washington, July 28.-The request
made by Sir Edward Grey, British min
lister for foreign affairs, that the state
department withhold from publication in
this mornings papers, as originally
planned, the text of the British note re-
ceived Monday in reply to the Ameri-
can protest against the British order in
council, caused much speculation today
in official circles. No explanation was
made beyond the statement that an
other note on the same subject was
promised from London within a week.
Secretary Lansing declined to advance
any theory for the supplementing of the
first communication. The American
note, which has been in preparation for
some time, will be further delayed until
the new document is in hand.
1t was at first supposed by officials
that statements in the last American
note to Germany, which were of general
application and set out the purpose of
the United States government to main
tain the freedom of the seas, might have
influenced the British foreign office to
deal with that subject in the same note
which defends the order in council. From
British sources, however, It was learned
that the main purpose of asking the
postponement of publication was to af-
ford opportunity to the British govern
ment to consider the communication
cabled from Washington July II in re-
gard to cases before British prize courts.
This communication recited that in
view of the differences understood to
exist between the two governments as to
the principles of law applicable in prize
courts proceedings in cases involving
American interests, and in order to
avoid any misunderstanding as to the
attitude of the United States, the Brit |
ish government was informed that the |
American government would insist upon |
the recognition of the right of Ameri |
can citizens under the principles of in |
ternational law as hitherto established, I
governing neutral trade in time of war,
and would not recognize the validity of
prize court proceedings taken under the
restraints imposed by British municipal
law in derogation of the rights of Amer
lean citizens under international law.
The British note delivered Monday is
understood to be framed upon the the
Dry that the order in council does, not
transgress the rights of neutrals as laid
1own in international law, though it is
that in some respects the APP
olication of the legal principles is new.
In view of the sweeping objection by the
United States to the order in council,
The British government feels, it is under
stood, this phase requires special treat
nent at this time.
The decision of the United States SUI
,reme court in the Matamoros cases dur
ng the Civil war is held by Great Brit
lin not to apply to the present condi-
ions, because at that time there was
practically no way for supplies landed
n Mexico to reach the Confederate
tates overland because of a lack of
facilities.
Lest there should be eventual disagree
nent as to the right of the British gov
to detain vessels and cargoes
Inder the order in council and, failing
diplomatic adjustment, it is pointed out
" British officials that American in
erests may safely be trusted to the spe-
ial international tribunal provided for
n the arbitration treaty between the
United States and Great Britain, which,
England holds, was intended to deal with
ust such issues. -