New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-01-11
BRITISH ANSWER
PLEASES LONDON
Likely to Confirm English
View That Protest Was
Unnecessary.
rBy cable to r." Tribune B

London. Jan. 10.-The British re-
spouse to the United States protest was
furnished the newspapers tonight for
publication tomorrow morning. Il is
too early to state the reception the re-
ply is likely to receive, but it is prob
able that Sir Edward Grey's obvious
tendency automatically to fight his
case will create "a favorable impress
sion. it is also calculated to confirm
in the minds of the general public the
opinion that the American protest was
unnecessary in view of the facts which
Sir Edward Grey sets forth.
In the opinion of competent observ-
ers Washington should Immediately
take steps to make public at least some
OF The facts upon which the protest
was based. The keen resentment which
is general over the American action
was due 10 two things, equally I'M
portant. First, the manner OF the pun
LEGATION of the initial note; second,
that the public here had little notion
that America even had grievances.
On the contrary, when there mas
been discussion Of contraband matters
10 has usually concerned England :
charges of smuggling. Sir Edward
Grey's note throws no light on these
unknown. specific contentious. many OF
which are already before the Foreign
Office. His statement concerning the
conceaiment of copper IN cotton bales
will cause surprise. The note calls
this only something that might happen,
while there is scarcely newspaper IN
the United Kingdom that has not men
toned il as an actual fact and pointed
10 il as a justification for drastic But-
lsh measures.
II is known here that Washington
argues with regard 10 abnormal I'M
portations Of copper by certain neutral
countries that the normal supplies OF
these countries are cut off, and that IN
all of them there is a tremendous alb
normal demand because all are arming
themselves TO the teeth, taking all pre-
cautionary measures and also taking "A
leaf from Germany's predicament by
setting aside reserve stores.
This ASPECT, however, receives no at
tention here. 1t is understood here
that the present note requires no
answer and that negotiations will not
proceed further until the submission
Of the further data which the note
mentions.
London. Jan lin its editorial
comment on Great Britain's reply to
the United States governments note
concerning delays to American com
merce THROUGH the searching Of vessels
by the British feet. "The Daily Mali
expresses confidence that the American
people will ungrudgingly recognize
many merits in Sir Edward Grey's com
munication.
ct is prompt. candid. pertinent and
conciliatory," says The Daily Mail.
land while il does not profess 10 be
exhaustive it brinos most of the Amer
lean assertions and complaints to the
tombstone Of fact. In tone and spirit
il conforms to that ideal friendly
frankness which the United States gov
eminent suggested as the right note
There is little doubt, says "The Daily
Mail" that the bulk of copper ship
ments to neutral countries since the
war began were destined for Germany
and there is still less doubt that cop
per shipments not genuinely destined
for neutral countries should be stopped
Indeed" The Daily Mail" says, ia
conclusion. "when taken in conjunction
with the concessions he is able to an
uounce. Sir Edward Grey's reply will
we believe. satisfy the American ma
ton that there is very little left for
two businesslike nations 10 differ
about"
Quoting the figures given by Sin
Edward Grey of American exports to
neutral countries which "have "A Ger.
man destination" THE Daily Chroni-
Gle" says that, confronted by them, "a
citizen Of country like ours, which by
gigantic efforts has retained command
Of the sea. is bound TO ask himself
not whether our navy has interfered
too much with this trade, but whether
it is interfering enough. And every
body in the United States who wants
Us 20 nave fair play and Is not over
weighed by German sympathles or by
a desire TO make profits at our expense
may reasonably be invited to put 10
himself the same question
The reply, says the Chronicle ri
breathes "the same friendly and prac-
teal spirit which characterized the
American document" The editorial
ends by saying:
ave believe that the American gov
eminent and people will appreciate the
cordiality and genuine good feeling
pcrvadinr the British note through
out. just a. the presence Of the same
qualities in the American note was
warmly appreciated by ourselves"
"Dibposcs e. Grievances"
"Thc Morning Post" says; "Sir I'd.
ward Grcy's answer. preliminary as If