Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-04

mitted bellisercnt right is based. II
is also essential that all unnecessary
injury to neutrals should be avoided
With these conditions 1t may be safely
affirmed that tho steps we are taking
to intercept commodities on their way
to and from Germany fully comply.
We are interfering with no goods
with which we should not DO entitled
to interfere by blockade IL the geo
graphical position and tho conditions OF
Germany at present were such that hcr
commerce passed through her own
ports. We are taking tho utmost pos
sible care not to interfere with COM
merce genuinely destined for or pro-
ceeding from neutral countries. Fur
thermore we have tempered the Sc
verify with which our measures might
the rule which was invariable in the
old form Of blockade, that ships and
goods on their way to or from the
blockaded area are liable to condemna-
tlon.
IL The communication made by the
United States embassy on the I'd April
cedented feature of the blockade that
II embraces many neutral ports and
coasts, and has the effect Of barring
access TO them. II does not appear
that our measures can be properly so
described. II we are successful in the
efforts we are making to distinguish
between the commerce Of neutral and
enemy countries. there will BIO no sub
stantial interference with the trade Of
neutral ports except In so far as they
constitute ports OF access to and exit
from tho enemy territory. There are at
this moment many neutral ports which
II would be mere affectetion to regard
as Offering facilities only for the COM
merce OF the neutral country In which
they are situated, and the only COM
merce with which we propose to inter-
fere Is that OF the enemy who seeks to
make use OF such ports for the purpose
OF transit to or from his own country.
PRACTICE OF NATIONS
NOT AT ANY TIME UNIFORM
'l3 One OF the earlier passages in
Your EHcellency's memorandum was to
the effect that the sovereignty of neu-
trail nations in time OF war suffers no
tice and consent of civilized nations has
tain now clearly determined rights,
which It is considered may be eXer-
cised by nations at war; and these it
dot hn rit-h NJ nd
condo mnation for unneutral service for
the carriage of contraband and for
breach of blockade. l may. however.
be permitted to point out that the prac-
tce OF nations on each of the three
subjects mentioned has not at any
time been uniform or clearly deter
mined. nor has the practice OF any
maritime nation always been consis-
tent.
"a. There are various particulars
into which the exact methods of car
rying a blockade into effect has from
time TO time varied. The need OF a
public certification, the requisite stand
ard of effectiveness, the locality OF the
blockading squadrons, the right OF the
individual ship to preliminary warn
ing that the blockade is In force. and
the penalty TO be inflicted on A cap
tured blockade runner are all subjects
in which different views have prevailed
In different countries and In which the
practice of particular countries has
been altered from time to time. The
one principle which is fundamental and
has obtained universal recognition is
that by means OF blockade bclligerent
is entitled to cut off by effective means
the sea borne commerce Of his enemy.
"l5. 1t is the same. with contraband.
The underlying principle is we'll es-
tablshed but as to the details there
has been wide variety Of view. AS for
unneutral service-the very term Is OF
such recent Introduction that many
writer's Of repute on international law
do not even mention 1t. 1t is impossible
in the view OF His Majesty's govern
ment in these circumstances to main
tain that the right OF a selligerent 10
Intercept the commerce of his enemy
is limited In the way suggested in Your
Excellency's communication.
REFERENCE TO CERTAIN
SUBSIDIARY MATTERS
''l6 There are certain subsidiary
matters dealt with in Your ENcel!ency's
to which l think 1t well
to refer. Amongst these may be men
toned your citation OF the Declaration
Of Paris. due, no doubt. TO the words
which occurred in the memorandum
sent by me to Your Excellency on Isl
March, wherein it was stated that the
allied governments would hold them
selves free to detain and take into port
ships carrying goods OF presumed
enemy destination, ownership or origin
and to our announcement that vessels
might be required 20 discharge goods
Of enemy ownership as well as those
Of enemy origin or destination.
~ 1t is not necessary to discuss the
effect TO which the second rule OF the
Declaration of Paris is affected by
these mea sureS or whether 1t coulo