Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-05-14
The Declaration of London

Inc declaration OF London
a NSWERS to the essentials Of two requests
"A for Information to the Declaration
of London. which are printed to-day on this
page, are contained in the Presidents note to
Germany. That note Expresses tho American
position as to maritime commerce in time of
war, and the rights Of neutras and belg-
erents thereins and accords completely with
the principles the Declaration Of London laid
down.
That declaration in this war nonored more
In the breach than in the observance, was
formulated by conference held in London
190S-O9, which mot the result of pre-
vious gatherings at The Hague. It's purpose
was the establishment of an international
prize court. with rules to guide that courts
findings.
Tho declaration finally agreed to and rati
fed Professionally by the powers was tho
product of compromise and concession 1t
consisted Of seventy-one articles. treating OF
such subjects as contraband, destruction of
neutral prizes, blockade and similar aspects
of maritime warfare. Usually it is regarded
as the most authoritative expression Of inter
national law on such questions
1t is true that the United States has an
nounced to the world that 1t would not be
bound by the details of the declaration-an
announcement that has been assumed to have
had special regard to that documents defni-
Iion and classification of contraband. 1t is
l! ut dlSo tlitiL petIlI pTOlcSScu q WILLING
ness to accept this classification. and that
Great Britain declined and established a
classification OF her own. differing from the
carrier list principally in the fact that it made
oil and copper absolute contraband There
have been further extensions, in practice If
not in theory, for the seizure Of foodStuffs
by German municipalities permitted Great
Britain to contend with a considerable show
OF reason that such food would be used pri-
marty for the military establishment Brit
ain has never reached the point where she
has in terms declared food absolute contra
band. but She has diverted all such ship
ments from Germany.
AS matter of fact the nations now at
war have departed from the rules laid down
at London whenever it has suited their con-
venicncc. For example. most of Germany
submarine warfare merchant shipping
would be absolutely impossible If the Declara-
ton OF London were obcyed in letter. or even
in spirit That method Of attack it is worth
remembering. was first announced to this
country through an interview granted an
American correspondent by Admiral Won
Ilrptz on December . of last year Adj
mlral Won Tirpitz then said that the purpose
OF the submarine blockade that would be
established would be TO starve England and
Strike terror into the hearts of her people
Two months later Germany established her
war zone, and proclaimed to the world her
intention to sink all enemy shipping found
therein. Her threat that neutral shining
was exceedingly likely to meet the same fate
prompted President Wilson's indignant pro-
test and warming that for any such outrages
Germany would be held TO strict accounta-
bility.' On February 8 Germany reiterated
her threats. II was not until March that
the allies announced their plan of reprisal
which was reduced to form in the orders in
council issued on March IS
1t becomes apparent therefore, that the
German contention that her submarine war
1are is response to England's effort to
starve Germany is bald fabrication II is
also a fact, OF course, that Germany is not
in the least danger Of starvation The shut
ting of OF food supplies has occasioned her
civilian population some inconvenience. per
haps, but absolutely no suffering Subma-
rine warfare is part of the I.llicy Of dread
fulncss
The safety of neutral citizens travelling on
belhgerent passenger vessels TO belligerent
ports Is guaranteed by the Declaration of
LONDON, as 1t is universally by every authority
and conference international law I'm
qHesh"nabiy, an enemy warship has the right
TO destroy such a vessel, but not without as
S"rihs me safety, or at least permitting the
escape IN boats, OF passengers and crew.
Germany sought months ago TO abrosate
TINS Wel-established neutral right but the
president protested then and protests again
to-day against its infringement The right
inhereS IN the neutral nation and violations
OF 1t are as entirely illegal as they arc
hrutaHy lnhumane Under the law of ma
tons, the destruction of over 1000 lives
When the Lusitania sank was a crime and a
warning That a crime will be committed ag-
graVates rather than mnimizcs its enormity