The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-01
.ilure of Great Britain To i've Up to International Law Regarding Neutral
 Shipping Pointed Out
ELAYED PROTEST
 tOPING TO SEE THE ADDITIONS BATTERED
iation Frankly Discussed and Eng md Urged to Adjust Conditions Which May Lead to Serious
 Consequences

TashingtOn, December l.-By cement between the state depart tt and the British foreign office. text of the note sent by the United tes to Great Britain, insisting on early improvement in treatment of erican commerce by the British [, was made public here today. It lws:
 he Secretary of State to the American assador at London:
 Department of State,
 ''Washington. December S. 191s. he present condition of American for trade resulting from the frequent res and detention of American car destined to neutral European ports become so serious as to require a i'd statement of the views of this Irnment in order that the British rnment may be fully informed as to 
 attitude of the United States toward policy which has been pursued by the sh authority during the present war. ou will. therefore. communicate the wing to his majesty, principal secre- of state for foreign affairs, but in s- se -Scl vii. assure him that it il in lhe ras t .4is;iu.y spilit aud i'll jelief that frankness will better serve continuance of cordial relations be- n the two countries than silence. h may be misconstrued into ac- cence in a course of conduct which government cannot but consider to n infringement upon the rights of rican citizens.
 fe government of the United States iviewed with growing concern the ] number of vessels laden with amer goods destined to neutral ports in .pe, which have been seized on the seas, taken into British ports and ned sometimes for weeks by the Brit authorities. During the early days 0 war this government assumed that policy adopted by the British gov ient was due to the unexpected out k of hostilities and the necessity of ediate action to prevent contrapand reaching the enemy. For this reason as not disposed to judge this policy hly or protest 1t vigorously, although Is manifestly very injurious to Amer trade with the neutral countries of ipe. This government, relying eplfi- y upon the high regard which i eat lin has so often exhibited in the 1 ast the rights of both nations. ctnfi- y awaited amendment of courro ction which denied to neutral com e the freedom to which 1t was en- l by the law of nations.
 his expectation seemed to bo ross- the more assured by the Statement ne foreign office early in November the British government wat ga s- with guarantees offered by the MI, an, Swedish and Danish goverpmq1tz nonexportation of contraband golbi
 
 tories of those governments. and thai rs had been given to the British neei customs authorities to restrict intsf- nee with neutral vessels carrying sud- ioes so consigned to vertification oI s papers and cargoes.
 No Change In Policy I 1t Is. therefore, matter Of deer ret that, though nearly five u,onths e passed since the war began tlQ fish government has not muteSialls nged their policy and do not stroal vigorously ships and cargoeh pAoe. between neutral ports in thsA o0Aos. pursuit of lawful commercials TT igerents should protect ratheES1&k rrupt. The greater freedom iron ntion and seizure which wa, idently expected to result fron rt. ing shipments to definite con ices rather than to order fl .ited.
 It is needless to point out to hi. esty's government. usually tn, mpion of the freedom of the seas the rights of trade. that peace. nol
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