Omaha daily bee., 1915-01-01
WASHINGTON SURE
OF UNDERSTANDING
American Government Officials Be-
lieve no Serious Trouble Will
Arise with England.
NOTE NOT BRUsQUE AT ALL
Surprise Expressed In Adminstrn-
tiOn Circles that Tone should
he Considered sharp
by BritOns.


American note TO Great Britain concern
ing interruptions of the commerce OF
this country continued today 20 absorb
official Washington, there was manifest
q tone OF confidence that the numerous
difficulties which had arisen in the last
five months eventually would be ami
cably adjusted. Already the discussion
had turned to measures which the
United States could properly take in CO.
operation with Great Britain to reduce
TO \ minimum the necessity for extended
search on the high seas.
1t became known that agents OF the
Treasury department, acting in co-opera-
ton with the State department. IN one
case already had inspected cargo OF
cotton. which inspection had satisfied
the British embassy and facilitated the
progress of the shipment to it's destina-
ton.
Sec Mutual Understandings.
The belief was held in official quarters
that a mutual understanding might be
reached whereby legitimate cargoes
could be certified by their departure
from this country and thereby made inn
mune from detention.
High officials OF the Washington gov
eminent were somewhat surprised that
the American note has been regarded as
''brusque in some London quarters.
They said the British cabinet. which has
it under consideration, after single
reading Of the document. must be con-
WINGED that the United . States had
spoken in the most friendly spirit,
though nonetheless earnestly and en-
phatically on points on which II con-
siders itself thoroughly justified under
the laws OF nations.
Nothing Pcremptory.
There is nothing peremptory In the
note, nor is it phrased in tones of irri-
tation. but those who are familiar with
its contents say it is a matter-of-fact
and frank statement of the difficulties
experienced by American shippers and
the failure Of the British government to
meet the various protests which have
been made.
In all, it became known today, thirty
American ships and cargoes, their value
Sotalling millions. have been detained.
The American note points out specific
ally. however. that reimbursements for
previous damages alone cannot cure the
situation. as the activity OF the British
fleet has restrained many exporters.
whose business has become stagnant,
for fear of the numerous teohnicalities
and the risks involved in shipments.
Cause Of Suspicion.
With respect to cotton shipments. the
cases of enc or two illegitimate cargoes.
1t is recognised, has caused the British
government to suspect all shipments.
The United states government has no
evidence that there has been contraband
concealed In cotton cargcee. but England
has made two specific complaints OF it.
Although not vouching for or confirm
ing the charges, the American govern
ment has thought It advisable. neverthe
less to issue warning that one fraud
ulent shipment must produce embarrass-
ment to csrgoes generally,
Secretary Bryan, discussing the note
with callers today. declined to give any
details. He described IT as a general
statement summarizing the American
position in several specific cases. Those
neutral diplomats who called 10 ask
about the note were not given a copy OF
it, but were informed that the first
newspaper report was accurate. They
were told that the State department
probably would not deliver the text OF
the, communication y foreign govern
ments generally. as it still regarded the
note as confidential the American gov
eminent itself not having authorized its
Publication In part or In whole.
General Points.
The general points on which the note
complains and which have been the basis
OF several specific protests hitherto are
substantially as follows:
l. American cargoes have been
searched on the high sess-a beiliger.nt
right that is not denied-but the ships
also have been diverted to ports for fur
Their examination, circumstances held
not justified under. international law un-
less full proof OF hostile destination is
presented at the time. Serious loss. espe-
cially to pertshabIe goods, has RESUMED
Tor such decays IN a snlps voyage.
2. Great Britain has regarded absolute
and unconditional contraband as Ia the
same class. The general understanding
in International Jaw mas been that abso-
which are intended Tor use by beliiger-
ent force and directly destined 20 It.
Conditional contraband, moulding food
susceptible OF use BY an army or navy,
but IL must be proven that instead Of
being intended for the civil popufation
OF q country these products are destined
for use by It's army and navy.
g. Irrespective of the controversy over
what constitutes absolute or conditional
contraband In the commerce between a
note sets forth that ia respect to COM
merce between two neutral countries
band az all for the relations are those
OF peace and not of war. Since the civil
war the United states has upheld the
doctrine OF continuous voyage when
permitted seizure OF a cargo even in its
journey between neutral ports provided
eventually It was destined for behiger-
emit The American note. however, takes
the p0H.tion that proof OF such hostile
destination must be shown at time Of
seizure.
4. The American government contends
that shipment sent no specific oon-
signee known as to order shipment
Is not OF itself suspicious. IT claims that
this may be an important circumstance
in proving a case. but Is OF no inherent
value unless other facts are adduced, lso
at tbs time OF detention or seizure.
Dolo,,A NHoo.o mo1~on