Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-22

resolved that the situation with Ger
many ought not to be complicated
with any new correspondence with
Great Britain. He took the positions
that the questions raised over the
sinking of the Lusitania should be
settled on their merits irrespective Of
other controversies which the United
States might have with other bellig-
erents. 1t is virtually certain there
fore that the note to Great Britain
will not be sent until after the Ger
man reply Is received.
When asked concerning the proposed
note Secretary Bryan said
I'VE have the subject under considera-
ton. No new Representations have been
babe to Great Britain
British Blockade
That the United States is prepared to
controvert further the right of Great
Britain to enforce virtually a blockade
against neutral countries, OBTAINING car
goes Of non-contraband, such as cotton
consigned to neutral ports irrespective Of
destination, was the intimation conveyed
by Secretary Bryan's statement regard
ing the British foreign office memoran-
dunn.
6ryan's Statement
Secretary Bryan's statement follows:
1.-The foreign trade advisers attention
has been called to the statement of the
foreign Office of Great Britain published
in this mornings papers. an extract
from which follows:
which it may be noted applies to ship
ments Of cotton for a neutral destination
only. the principal representative of the
American cotton interests described it
to His Majesty's ambassador at Wash
ington as conceding all that the Ameri-
can interests could properly ask. 1t was
never suggested that vessels or cargoes
with an enemy destination should be al
lowed to proceed. His Majesty's govern
ment were. moreover. given to under
stand that the provisions of the arrange
ments were acceptable to the United
States government
THE plan referred to is the one which
was entered into between the cotton
shippers Of this country and the British
embassy, a portion Of which is quoted in
the statement of the British foreign Of
fee. .-.s-...
Without discussing at this time the
statement that Tt was never suggested
that vessels or cargoes with an enemy
destination should be allowed to pro-
ceed.' the foreign trade advisers, who
informally and uncfficially represented
the cotton shippers in the negotiations
which led up to the so-called cotton ar
rangements, state that I, was distinctly
understood between Sir Cecil Arthur
Spring-Rice, the British ambassador at
Washington. on Robert F. Rose, the for
eign trade adviser conducting this discus
sion on behalf Of the American cotton
exporters. that nothing done by the for
eign trade advisers should be regarded
as official and that everything done was
to be considered as informal and unoffi-
cial and in no way binding the United
States government to any arrangement
reached, or be construed as a recognition
Of the Order-in-Council to be issued or
the declaration OF March LIST which had
been issued.
''This statement was made to the Brit
ish ambassador on March 3, when the
first conference in the matter was held.
was repeated at eacn subsequent con-
ference and each time the absolute as
surance from the British ambassador
was received that In acting for the cot
ton shippers In any way the foreign adj