New-York tribune., 1915-02-28

II is also learned that cargoes
shipped prior to the date Of this noti- 4
fication to neutrsls will be accorded
the same treatment as is given under
existing regulations.
Question of Special Treatment.
A full application OF the Anglo
French intentions, as now being out
lined to neutrals. means the complete
interruption Of all German commerce.
Unless special treatment is accorded
10 certain articles on account of some
special circumstances, IL means that
every article known TO commerce.
whether classed as absolute or condi-
tional contrabsnd or not. will now be
excluded from Germany by the French
and British nayies.
England and France find justifca-
tion for their action in the policy
(which Germany -fciScwea, ss'tacsY
note to America and the, ethsS nenlrslf
doubtless indicates.
Inc utW ClICuHSNdHNfs NtthAtu W
Germany compels unusual action.
1t is held that in reality in adopt
ing these new measures Great Britain
and France are doing nothing more
than Germany has already endeavored
to do by establishing her so-cslled
submarine blockade, with the vital eN-
ceptiop, however, that the Allies pur-
pose giving neutral ships and crews
full protection. That is the link be-
tween Germany's action and that now
contemplated by the Allies.
To Combat Methods of Piracy.
By Germany's own pronouncements
her intentions were TO establish
blockade and 70 torpedo vessels on
sight whether British or neutral, ask
ing no questions. making no investi-
cations and departing from interna-
tional usage for the methods Of piracy
with the ultimate object of paralysing
British commerce, interrupting bust
ness and cutting off food supplies.
Therefore, IL is cOntended that the
Allies are wholly entitled 10 setaliste
by cutting off Germany's commerce, in
cluding food.
In notifying neutrals OF their con-
templated action, the Allies do not men
tion any articles which will hereafter
be treated as absolute contraband The
matter refers to the whole of Ger
msny's commerce. Il is almost be-
yond question that there will be ex-
tended conversations on the subject
with other states. but it is the sincere
hope of the Allies that all neutrsls will
take into consideration the exceptional
circumstances which exist. These are
fully discussed in the communication
to neutrals.
This declaration Of war on COM
merce does not require any extension
of the list Of articles to be treated as
absolute contraband; il covers every
thing. In many quarters il was con-
sidered that Great Britain's action
might consist simply of extending the
absolute contraband list.
IL was something which Lord Charles
Beresford has been urging. This ne~
action, as is now known, is more e4s
| rensive. Norway, Sweden. Denmark
and Holland will be vitality affected BY
the new procedure, and the news viii
doubtless create sensation there.
Under the operation Of this new
policy il appears that those countries
will get their supplies from America
and elsewhere under the same system
as they now get articles treated as
absolute contraband. Thus England
will permit shipments OF articles 10
those countries TO the extent OF their
home need, and under some guarantee
against re-exportation 10 Germany.
Shipping in the Baltic will not be
affected. except as Great Britain and
her allies prevent supplies from enter
ing Norway. Sweden and Denmark for
re-exportation to Germany. Holland,
By making its prohibited export list
conform with the British contraband
list and by the creation of the Neither
lands Interseas Trust to which vir-
tually all cargoes entering Holland are
now consigned with the government
guarantee that they will not be ex-
ported TO Germany, has put its ship
ping in \ position which will be sf-
fected little By the declaration.
II is believed here that the Scsnd
navisn countries doubtless will tax,
similar action TO insure continuation on
supplies from America and elsewhere
for home use. While Denmark. Swedeb.
and Norway have repeatedly modified
the lists OF prohibited exports, their
regulations for the prevention of re-
expectation apparently have been un-.
satisfactory 10 Great Britain, or the
administration of the regulations has
been unsatisfactory, as cargoes have
not moved TO the Scandinavian coun-
tries with the same freedom as to Hol-
land.
Germanys destruction Of certain
n. utral ships makes the Alliea's task
Of imposing new regulations easier and
less likely to arouse neutral opposition