New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-10-07
Promises Allies Won't
Wage Post-Bellum
Trade War.
PLEDGES FAIR
DEAL TO u. S.
Minister Defends Blacklist
and Naval Blockade
by Britain.

London. Oct. e.-Lord Robert Cecil,
Minister of War Trade, to-day served
notice on Sweden directly, and all
other neutrals indirectly, that the Al
lies will not consider mediation, nor
do they intend to relax in their black
list regulations. They intend to fight
to a finish, and will retain to them
selves the right to employ any means
that will weaken their foes.
In another statement, however, he
vehemently repudiated any intention on
the part of the Allies to use the COM
mercial methods contemplated by the
Paris economic conferrees against
neutrals. He said wholly wrong con-
cIusions had been drawn from the re-
ports OF these conferences, and espe-
cially with regard TO those conclusions
attributing any attempt to exclude or
discriminate against the trade Of the
United States with the Entente Allies
after the war.
"No country not entirely insane
would antagonize the United States
for its own sordid ends" he said.
There are great problems before US
after the war, and we certainly would
not lose the advantage OF American
capital and enterprise in dealing there
with. As regards the present, If any
british commercial association is max
ing unfair use OF war trade conditions
We should like to hear thereof
Answers Swedish Premier.
Lord Roberts first statement, warning
the world against offering mediation,
wee made in answer to the recent eritl-
cism by the Prime Minister Of Sweden
of the blacklist and mail censorship
policies Of the Allies. He said Great
Britain was anxious to restore oldtime
trade relations with Sweden, and was
willing to open negotiations looking to
that end, but Sweden must come into
the conference prepared to do business
and to recognize the right OF the Al
lies TO prevent trading with the Cen
trail Powers.
In his comment on trade relations
with America, he said:
"Our relations with the New World
will always be Of vast Importance to
US" Lord Robert said, land they take
a leading place in our plans. In an
swer TO the great calumny so often cir
culatcd, and which we Indignantly re-
pudiate, want to say that wnlle we
are planning our measures Tor peace
now, we pledge our honor that these
plans and measures, which we are
bound TO take against neutral traoers
with our enemies under the laws ol
war. have been and will be kept entirely
separate.
Won't Fight Neutral Trade.
"Thev are worked out in different de-
,.rtments, They are wholly distinct.
We shall never try, what we kno"
would be fatal to our interests, TO use
anv of our belligerent measures 70 en-
able us to replace neutral by British
trade or stife or impede the CONNER
ciat enterprise Of neutral nations"
Lord Robert did not mention the
blacklist in this connection, but un-
ouestionably he had it in mind.
"What one of the districts devastated
during the war would wish to lose the
opportunity to take advantage Of Amer
lean enterprise and capital?' ne asked:
Suppose, for instance, no question OF
friendship were involved. Then It re-
solves itself into a question Of plain
common sense business he added.
Articles in American newspapers
which had been called to his attention,
said Lord Robert, seemed TO take the
ground that if the Paris measures were
Carried out they would discriminate
against all non-Entente Allied trade,
and would either force the United
Continued on page 2, column