New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-01-06
BRITISH WISH MORE
CHARACTERIZATION
Plan, 1t Is Held, Does Not
Obviate Changing
Goods at Sea.
WILL NOT WAIVE
RIGHT OF SEARCH
Highly Favorable Impression
Created by American Prop
Osition, However.

London, Jan. 5-Although the For
eign Office regards with high favor the
American governments plan Of certify
ing cargoes loaded under the direction
Of officials of the Treasury Department
and destined for European ports, 1t was
said to-day that England cannot accept
such certiiication as an absolute guar
antee of the nature Of the cargo in case
any cause for suspicion arises after
vessel leaves America.
In other words, it is held here that
the right of search cannot be waived
because of the possibility Of shifting
cargoes at sea and of the imposslbility
of having the Treasury officer who
issues the certificate accompany the
ship to her destination TO guard against
smugglers who may carry copper or
other cOntraband on small ships to be
transferred at sea-
The waving Of the right to search
ships bearing contraband cargoes, IN
the opinion Of several prominent Brit
ish officials, would be an invitation for
smugglers TO ply their trade, whereas
the retention Of the right would tend
to prevent dishonesty.
This position is precisely the same as
that taken by the Foreign Office con-
Of American cargoes by British consuls
at American ports.
The government is constantly in
communication with representatives of
Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Holland.
Il is reported that all these nations
are taking steps TO revise their lists OF
prohibited exports so that they will
correspond with the British contraband
list, thus making possible resumption
Ct shipping to neutral European coun-
tries from America without delays or
the danger Of seizure.
A decidedly favorable impression has
been produced here by the American
certifcation plan. British officials re-
gard it as a further manifestation OF
the desire of the American government
20 hasten q satisfactory settlement OF
the differences concerning the delay
and seizure of American cargoes.
Owing to the failure of the London
newspapers TO discuss the preliminary
negotiations between Ambassador Page
and Foreign Secretary Grey, extending
over several weeks before the American
note was presented, the English public
was not we'll advised concerning the diff
ferences which grew up. Even now
the opinion Is general, Notwithstanding
the publication OF TIC AIlEA ltdlA lAONNs
that President Wilson denies England's
right 10 search. Consequently much Of
the shock occasioned by the presenta-
ton Of the American note was due to
misapprehension which, however, is dis
appearing slowly on account of the
calm and friendly attitude Of the gov
eminent.
Washington. Jan. 5.--The notice to
shippers drawn by the State Treasury
and Commerce departments, after being
dispatched 10 Ambassador Page, was
sent throughout the country to-day.
"The government" says the notice,
Clocks with confidence for cooperation
from the American business public to
prevent such action on the part OF
shippers as adds unnecessarily to the
difficulties of business at this time.
Whenever shippers desire such aid in
carving on their foreign business the
Treasury Department will furnish, upon
appUcation to the customs collector al
any port, an officer to supervise the
loading of cargo and to certify to the
completeness and accuracy Of the man
fest.
"As a further precaution II is sug-
gested that the shippers accompany
ship's manifest with an affidavit stating
that the articles shipped are correctly
shown by the manifest, and that the
packages contain nothing except that
which is shown there"