Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1915-11-12
INTERFERENCE WITH
TRADE PROTESTED
UNITED STATES DECLARES THE
ENGLISH BLOCKADE Is
ILLEGAL.

Covering eXhaustively British in
reference with American trade since
the beginning of the European war
note was transmitted to England
this week by President Wilson in
which the United States declares that
the so-called blockade instituted by
the allies against enemy countries on
March IL, is ineffective, illegal and
indefensible." Notice is served that
the American government cannot
submit to the curtailment of its neu-
trail right, and it cannot with COM
placence suffer further subordination
of its rights and interests"
The note was the long-awaited pro-
test of this government to England's
interference with it's commerce, and
was universally praised by the Amer
lean press. The note was very
lengthy, containing $1,000 words,
and because of the many points raised
in it, England's answer is not expect
ed for month.
The body of the note is divided into
So points, dealing with all phases of
the contraband question, seizures and
detentions, prior to, as we'll as after,
the so-called blockade was instituted,
and announces that a separate COM
munication will be sent soon dealing
particularly with the ''propriety and
right of the British government to
include in their list of contraband of
war certain articles which have been
so included"
The chief points raised are:
Blockade declared ineffective. lille
gal and indefensible.
America not to submit to curtail-
ment of neutral rights or suffer fur
Their with complacence
Policy of expediency. rather than
observance of accepted rule of inter-
national conduct, protested. British
contention in this respect during Civil
war, cited.
United States "unhesitatingly as
sumes" the task of championing neu-
trail rights and will devote energies to
exercising impartial attitude.
Judicial means offered for repara-
ton regarded as defective. in viola
ton Of laws of nations. destructive to
American trade and causing suspicion
and concern.
Curtailment of neutral rights de-
clared admittedly retaliatory and in
tended to punish Great Britain's ene-
mics for ALLEGED illegalities.
American attitude toward 'lawless
conduct" of belligerents declared to
have sanction of civilized world.
Maintenance of neutral rights de-
clAred of highest Importance to pres
emit and future.
Protest made only after many
months had passed since Britain's
promise not to infringe unjustifiably
on American rights had proved un-
availing.
Apprehension expressed that if
British policy is not curtailed Ameri-
can trade may suffer further.
Britain accused of misconception Of
American policy during Civil war.
Increase in American exports to
neutrals due to diminution of trade
European neutrals had with nations
now at war.
Detention of ships while evidence
of ultimate destination is sought, and
charging of port costs to. owners re-
garded as ungenerous as we'll as ille-
gal.
Examination of every package in
cargo declared unnecessary to deter
mine If it is contraband.
Great Britain failed to prove that
burden of proof of neutrality of cargo
can rightly be placed on owner.
Attention directed to admitted in
crease in British exports and re-
exports to neutral countries against
which blockade is declared, SO far as
American goods are concerned, Brit
ish trade thus greatly benefiting at
cost to United States interests. Deci-
sions cited to show that blockade
must apply to ships of all nations.
British charge that neutrals re-
export to Britain's enemies goods re-
ceived from America is regarded as
matter in which Americans cannot be
held to account.
Efforts of Britain to distinguish
neutral from enemy trade declared
unsuccessful.
Previous leniency of United States
based on "misconception of intentions
of British government"
Declaration of Paris cited in con-
tention that the effectiveness OF
blockade is. "manifestly question Of