The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-07-26
BRITISH AMBASSADOR
| MAKES EXPLANATIONS
to Explain Away Some OF
the Reprehensible Features of
Blacklist Policy.
NOT BREAK EXISTING ooNrRACs
Intended, He Declares, to Prevent
British Credit From Being Used to
Support the Operations OF Nations
Encmies-President Delays.

Washington. July 25.-President
Wilson decided today to delay his an
nouncement of the policy of the gov
ernment regarding the British black
list Announcement of decision to
delay the promised protest to Great
Britain was made after the Cabinet
meeting. Another important devel-
opment was announced by the State
Department that Sir Cecil Spring
Rice, the British ambassador. had
made a partial explanation of the
scope Of the blacklist.
The British ambassador Informed
The State Department.:
First. that the blacklist IL not d.
rected against neutrals. but that Its
purpose is to prevent British capital
and credit from being used to sup
port the enemy.
Second, that in general there is nc
intention that the blacklist should
affect existing contracts.
Observers were quick to see a con-
nection between the explanations
made by the British government and
the announced decision to withhold
action. Oficials would not admit,
however, that the delay was infiu-
enced by the British AMBASSADOR
Explanations. nor would they admit
any contemplated action by the
United States would be Influenced by
such explanations.
Affects Americans Injuriously.
On its face. the assurance by Great
Britain that its blacklist is not aimed
~ neutrais takes away one of the
ehief grounds for action by the
United States. but II is certain this
government will not accept this as
1urance as fully removing the diff
eulty, since there is abundant evi.
6ence that the operation of the black
Iistv while it-may- net ee aimed al
usutrais, affects Americans inju-
rdously
The assurances given by tho Brit
Leh ambassador were in response &c
fwo specific cases brought up by the
State Department
One related 70 the refusal of ar
australian firm TO accept cargo oil
oil from a San Francisco firm. an or.
der prev ousiy given for which was
cancelled by the Australians after tho
cargo was loaded because the selling
arm was blacklisted.
The British embassy arranged for
delivery OF this cargo declaring that
In general existing contracts should
not be affected
kit piAFT Ease TAlEGl NtS RI1S II
which an American firm doing bust
ness in Great Britain and also hav.
ing transactions with a hlacklistet
arm, desired 10 learn II II. 100, wnult
be blacklisted for It's dealings with g
Grm under the ban. The British am
bassador gave the assurance that this
act is not intended 10 injure neutrals
Basic Wrong of Blacklist.
The explanations by the British am
hassador, however do not touch wha
officials believe is the basic wrong o
khe blacklist This Is the ALLEGED
action OF the British government IL
ordering It's own shipmasters anc
coercinx neutral shipmasters into re
fusing cargoes TO or from blacklistet
nrms.
Further evidence has been obt4lnef
As to the working OF this oppressive
feature OF the boycott Not only have
neutral ships faced refusal TO take OF
coal, provisions and oil at Rritisi
pprts II they carried carEoes Of black
listed firms, exporters have charged
but through British influence bank
ing accommodations in neutral coun
tries have been refused corporation
md firms dealing with individuals OF
6rms on the blacklist.
Acting Secretary of State Polk sale
S0uAY tnG STATE department mas TINKER
up specific cases of particular black
listing individuals and firms. bu
wholly without prejudice 10 an,
action, the United States may take
In opposition to the principle involved
n the blacklist
There was no disposition on tht
part OF officials TO recognize the con
oession made by Great Britain in tbs
particularly cases raised as affectini
he main issue. 1t was stated tina
Prhs United States still considers thu
after with grave concern"
There were evidences. however. tina
3reat Britain herself realized che hai
gone too far in extending the bla =,
list to American firms in a manner
that is violative of neutral rights,
A high official said today: IF car
Red to It's logical conclusion the black
lot would prevent Great Britain from
carrying on practically any commerce
With the United States, IL it attempted
10 extend the blacklist to every firm
HAT had any transactions with an,
hlacklisted frm.
Carried to its logical conclusion
me blacklist might force officials O
ne British embassy to walk or trave
y automobile. since the securities O
MANY American railroads are own &c
4 Germany"
It was intimated today that ths
British embassy within few day,
make an official statement assuring
khe people OF the United States :ha
The blacklist was not designed 70 In.
kerfere with American trade or tc
discriminate against American citi: ms