Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-01-01
BRTTAIN'S UNIQUE
CONTRABAND CODE
CAUSED u. S. NOTE
Shipping Protest, Made Public in Wash
ington, Cites Hindrance to American
Commerce Because of New and Indi-
viduaI PoIicy-Full Text of Document.


solely from the British point Of view, is
the theme of the protest sent to Great
Britain by the United states against seiz-
ures OF American cargoes.
The note shows that Great Britain was
warned that conditions have been serious
because of interruptions of American
trade and that continuation of the pres
ent British policy might arouse feeling
contrary TO that which has so long ex-
listed" 1t was charged that this policy
is IAN infringement on the rights of
American citizens; that American ex-
porters are "perplexed by the indecision
OF British authorities in applying their
own rules" and that the stoppage of food,
for Instance, without definite proof is con-
trary to previous British doctrines. A
stand was taken on British policy of the
past, and tho London Government was
asked to take steps soon to stop "unnec-
sssary interference"
TEXT OF THE NOTE.
The full text OF the note, which is
dated at the State Department December
rs, follows:
''The present condition of American for
eign trade, resulting from the frequent
seizures and detentions of American
cargoes destined to neutral European
ports, has become SO serious as TO re-
uuira a candid statement of the views or
this Government in order that the British
Government may be fully Informed as to
the attitude of the United States toward
the policy which has been pursued by
the British authorities during the present
war.
''You will. therefore, communicate the
following to his MaJesty's principal Sec
rotary of State for Foreign Affairs. but
in doing 30 you will assure him that 1t is
done in the most friendly spirit and in
kS 90 khot will halter
the continuance of cordial relations be-
tween the two countries than silence,
which may be misconstrued into ac-
duiescence in a course of conduct which
this Government cannot but consider to
be an infringement upon the rights of
American citizens.
NO HARSH JUDGMENT TAKEN.
HThe Government Of the United
states has Viewed with growing concern
the large number Of vessels laden with
American goods destined to neutral ports
In Europe which have been seized on the
high seas, taken Into British ports and
detained sometimes for weeks by the
Brltlsh authorities. During the early
days of the war this Government assumed
that the policy adopted by the British
Government was due to the unexpected
outbreak of hostilities and the necessity
Of Immediate action to prevent contra
reason It was not disposed to judge this
policy harshly or protest it vigorously
although 1t was manifestly very 1n1url-
GUS to American trade with the neutral
countries of Europe.
'This Government, relying confidently
upon the high regard which Great Britain
has so often exhibited in the past for the
rights of other nations, confidently await
ed amendment of course of action which
denied to neutral commerce the freedom
to which 1t was entitled by the law of
nations.
"This expectation seemed to be rendered
the more assured by the statement of the
Foreign Office early in November that the
British Government were satisfied with
guarantees offered by the Norwegian,
Swedish and Danish Governments as to
transportation of contraband goods when
consigned to named persons In the terri
tories of those Governments and that or
ders had been given to the British fleet
and customs authorities to restrict inter-
ference with neutral vessels carrying such
cargoes so consigned to verification of
ships papers and cargoes.
FIVE MONTHS AND NO CHANGE.
"It is, therefore. a matter OF deep regret
that, though nearly five months have
passed since the war began, the British
Government has not materially changed
it's policy and does not treat less rigor-
ously ships and cargoes passing between
neutral ports in the peaceful pursuit Of
lawful commerce, which belligerents
should protect rather than interrupt. The
greater freedom from detention and seiz-
ure which was confidently expected to re-
suit from consigning shipments TO definite
consignees, rather than to order is still
awaited.
'Tt is needless to point out to his
Majesty's Government, usually the cham
pion of the freedom of the seas and the
rights of trade, that peace, not war. is
the normal relation between nations. and
that the commerce between countries
which are not belligerent should not be
interfered with by those at war, unless
such interference is manifestly an inn
perative necessity to protect their nation-
al safety. and then only TO the extent
that II Ia necessity.
''lt Is with no lack OF appreciation OF
the momeHtous nature Of the present
struggle In which Great Britain Is en-
gagged and with no selfish desire TO gain
undue commercial advantage that this
Government Is reluctantly forced TO the
conclusion that the present policy OF his
MaIeaty'B Government toward neutral
ships and eargoes exceeds the manifest
necessity Of a belllaerent. and eonstl-
American citizens on the high seas which
are not Justified by the rules OF lnterna-
tlonal law or required under the prlnel-
pie OF self preservation.
THE Government OF the United States
does not intend at this time to discuss the
propriety OF including certain articles in
the lists OF absolute and conditional con-,
traband. which have been proclaimed by
his Majesty open 10 objection as some
of these seem to this Government. The
chief ground OF present complaint is the
treatment OF cargoes OF both classes OF
articles when bound TO neutral ports.
EXPORTERS PERPLExED.
Articles listed as absolute eontraband,
shipped from the United States and CON
signed 10 neutral countries. have been
seized and detained on the ground that
the countries to which they were destined
have not prohibited the expectation OF
6nch articles. UnWarranted as such de-
tsntions are. IN the opinion OF this Gov
efnment, American exporters are further
perplexed By the apparent indecision OF
lAe British authorities In applying their
nHn rules TO neutral eargoes.
Hor example, q shipment OF copper
ION this country to a specified eonsignee
Sweden Was detained because, as was
Ated BY Great Britain, Sweden had
.eed no embargo on copper. on the
sAzf hand. Italy not only prohibited the
tt Of copper but as this Government
Atermed, put Ia force q decree that
ants % Italian consignees or TO
Hhieh arrive Ia ports OF Italy can
N &c tzported or transshipped. The only
o. ID