Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-02
London Replies to U. S. Pro-
test Against Blockade on
Neutral Ports.
SEIZURE OF NECHES
DEFENDED BY ENGLAND
Berlin Answers American Refusal to
Recognize Prize Court in
Frye Case.

The German note regarding the
sinking of the American ship
William P. Frye and Great
Britain's supplemental note in
reply to American representations
regarding the British blockade
and interference with American
commerce. were received today at
the State Department. A second
British note, concerning the selz-
ure of the Neches, also was re-
ceived.
the treaty with Prussia in 1928 the
Frye case should be adjusted through
diplomatic channels, whereas Germany
has held that 1t was matter for prize
court adjustment In it's last note the
United States asked Germany to re-
consider it's decision, maintaining that
it would not recognize a prize court
ruling as binding.
! In view of the American attitude
there was much speculation here today
| as to what Germany's latest reply con-
|
recede from its position. it was said
| today that in case the German reply
included an announcement of prize
| court decision it would not take any
| steps to prevent the owners from accept
| ing the award If they are satisfied.
Contention of Germany.
| Germany's reply to the last American
| note on the sinking of the American
| steamship William P. Frye by the auxil-
iary cruiser Prinz Eitel Friedrich be-
gan to arrive today at the State De-
partment. The time for it's publication
will be set later.
Germany is contending for her right
| to destroy and pay for the Frye under
| the Prussian- American treaty of 1928.
The United States denies the right to
destroy the ship. There appears to be
no question of the payment of repara-
| tfon by Germany, but there is a ques-
(, tion over whether it shall be paid di-
rectly by diplomatic exchanges or shall
go through prize court. Germany
| takes the latter view.
To Be Published Wednesday.
Great Britain's supplemental note in
reply to American representations on
| interference with neutral shipping
reached the State Department today
and will be published in Wednesday
| mornings newspapers, with the note
received last week on the same SUBJ
ject. and third note regarding de-
tention of the American steamer
Neches, which also arrived today.
| Secretary Lansing said the supple
mental note was a reply to the caveat
sent by the United States July II, de-
| claring this government would not rec
| ognize the validity Of prize court pro-
|
! posed by British law in derogation of
| the rights of American citizens under
international law. The caveat was filed
| to avoid any misunderstanding as to
| the attitude of the United States to-
| ward the orders in council.
| Officials would not discuss the British
communications. Objection had been
| made by the British authorities to pub
! lication of any portion, until the notes
| have been released by arrangement be-
tween the governments.
The Neches Case.
The case of the American steamer
| Neches. which forms the basis of the
| third note. involves the right of a
| belligerent to seize goods originating
in an enemy country. or even in a
| neutral country adjacent to the enemy
! country and supposed to be subject to
it's influence, but destined for another
neutral country. Heretofore, the broad
principles Of international law have
! regarded such goods as exempt from
seizure unless they were passing
through the blockade lines. and, SO far,
the United States has declined to rec
| ognize an ally blockade Of the North
| sea. The supplemental note is under
| stood to defend the British action in
| the Nechcs case.