New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-01-27
Foreign Secretary
Denies Sea Grip
Is Failure.
LONDON WILL
CONSULT PARIS
Joint Reply To Be Made
to u. S.-French Aid
in the Blockade.

London. Jan. 26.-The result or
the anXiously awaited debate in the
House Of Commons on the blockade
question is that the British govern
ment adheres to its existing policy.
a resolution introduced by Arthur
Shirley Benn. Unionist member for
Plymouth, that the entire over
oceanic traffic with Germany should
be prevented by a blockade. was
talked out and the subject dropped,
thus leaving the position exactly as
before the debate. except that Par
lament seemed more converted TO
the government policy.
After the Foreign Secretary had
spoken Commander Bellars said he
had anticipated that nine-tenths OF
the House would be against Sir Ed
ward Grey, but since his speech he
had to admit nine-tenths were with
him. In fact. after the Foreign
Secretary sat down. the House grad
ually emptied, and at one time dur
ing the debate only half dozen
members were present.
Refers to L. s. Note.
"If anybody wishes TO realize the
justification Of our present policy
he has only to read the correspond
ence with the United States" said
Sir Edward. IF he wishes TO read
the objections taken TO it--objec-
tions which any sort of policy might
meet with-he can read the Ameri-
can notes to Great Britain. cspe-
cially the last note. which has not
vet been answered"
Sir Edward said with regard 10
neutrals that the government was
prepared to examine any alternative
policy if. while it was more pleasing
to neutrals. the government was
convinced it was equally effective
with the existing method. The gov
ernment. he said. was going to reply
to the last American note after con-
sulting with the French govern
ment.
Cannot DO More
Sir Edward said that as matter
of fact the government was doing
what the supporters of the blockade
policy demanded. I'VE cannot do
more than we are already DOING he
said.
At the opening OF he debate the
House was crowded, all the business
sections being very conspicuous, and
the galleries also were filled. notable
visitors being the American Ambassa-
dor. the Swedish and Danish Ministers,
Lord Fisher and cord Stamfordham,
private secretary to the King.
After Sir Edward Grey had concluded
the discussion lost interest. Gershom
Stewart, Unionst, thought it would be
advantageous TO allow France to con-
duet negotiations with America respect
ing the blockade.
VIII Oppose Blockade.
Lord Robert Cecil. Parliamentary
Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
assured the House on the authority of
Lord Harrington that there was no
word Of truth in the charges brought
against British representatives in neu-
tral countries. lie regarded with sus-
picion those IN neutral countries who
were urging the Allies to declare a
blockade.
I'VE are trying to do, with some sue
cess" he said, something that no ma
tion ever tried before. namely. 20 block
ade Germany through neutral coun-
tries. Il is not a case FOR high h-handed-
ness. but rather for great caution and
circumspection. II would be easy 10
make mistakes which might be so seri-
Gus as 10 prevent our winning the war
II hope the government Will abolish
the orders in council and issue in con-
junction with our allies strong decia.
ration that IN Allies have decided
from now on that the entire over
oceanic traffic 20 Germany will be pre-.
vented by a blockade of German ports,
said Mr. Benn.
Lines should be drawn from out
side the Norwegian three-mile limit TO
Scotland and across the English Chan.
mel and the Strait OF Gibraltar. and
everything goi into Germany or com.
ing should be stopped there. even II
we are accused Of violating the rights
of neutrals.
I'VE ought 20 consider expediency
and put such a blockade into force
at once If we are convinced that IL
will bring the war 20 A speedier close.
From what ! know OF America
don't think she will object. for il will
be on the same principle as the block
ade declared by Lincoln. and the block
sde would be ~ American blockade.