The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-06-03
Gregory Would Name Specific
Criminal Actions
Regarding Violations of Neu-
traIity of United States.
COVERED BY CONSPIRACY ACT
President Could Withhold the
Clearance of Foreign Ships.
Attorney General Sends Recon-
mendation to Congress.

Washington. June General re-
vision of American neutrality laws
was proposed to congress today in a
memorandum submitted by Attorney
General Gregory and concurred in by
the state department as result of the
governments experience with prob
lens arising out of the war and of re-
lationS with Mexico. Enactment of
eighteen new laws is recommended TO
correct defects in existing statutes to
cover present omissions of laws for
the observance of obligations impera-
lively imposed by international law
upon the United States and to make
crimes against American neutrality
punishable under the federal laws. At
present many such acts do not violate
federal criminal laws.
Almost every phase of activity in
the United States on behalf of foreign
governments which has resulted in
federal prosecution under the broad
charge of conspiracy would be spe-
officially criminal by the proposed leg
isIation. In addition the powers of
the president would be broadened with
respect to withholding clearance to
suspected vessels, further employment
of the land and naval force to pre-
serve neutrality. imposing a more rlgio
censorship upon wireless and caple
messages to belligerent countries and
Selling arms and ammunition about TO
be exported in violation OF an en-
barge
lows:
Name Specific Crimes.
IA law making it crime to pre-
vent or attempt to prevent expectation
of American goods by threat or Vlo-
Ience to persons engaged IN the manu-
facture or export of SUCH articles or
nv damage to the articles, the instru-
rnentalities of their transportation or
their Mace of manufacture.
"A law making it crime to set
fire to any vessel engaged in foreign
commerce with the United States or TO
place bombs or explosives aboard her
with intent to injure or destroy the
vessel or its cargo.
3-A law authorizing the govern
ment to forbid the departure from
American ports of vessels with sup
plies believed to be destined for war
ships or supply ships of beliigerent ma
tions on the high seas
Inspect Foreign Ships.
4-Under this law, collectors of Gus
toms would be given the right to in
spect foreign vessels in American ports
at any time. Attempts to deceive in
spectors or to prevent the inspection
would be made criminal
5-This proposal would broaden the
powers of the secretary of state in re-
quiring information under oath and
proof by affidavit of such facts as
he deems desirable in applications for
passports; would make Inisstatements
in applications for passports punish
able as perjury and would make GRIM
transfer or use of passports and the
alteration or forgery of passports is
sued.
6-Making criminal the fraudulent
use, application or counterfeiting of
the seal of any executive department
or government commission.
Establish Censor Power.
Am act simplifying the rather re-
stricted provisions of the radio act
with reference to the powers of the
president to censor or prescribe the
manner in which wireless MESA ges
! and also cablegrams shall be trans
i mitted to belligerent countries or ships
/ upon the high seas. CT otherwise.
S-A law making it a crime to set
on foot, participate in or attempt to
participate in any naval expedition
| against a power with which the Unit
ed States is now at peace.
| 9-Authorizing the president to de-
tain or seize arms about to be exported
4 in violation of any embargo
/ 10-A law making it a crime for any
internal officer. soldier or sailor OF
| belligerent governments to attempt
to escape from the United States and
/ also making it crime for any one to
| aid or attempt to aid in the escape or
attempted escape
IA law making it a crime to
swear falsely to any document in
| tended for use by a foreign govern
/ ment in any dispute or controversy
with the United States.
Must Have Authority.
I 12-This proposal would make it a
crime for any government employee
to communicate to a foreign govern
ment or its agent. or to obtain with
out lawful authority information
relative to the national defense or for
| anyone to obtain such information
from unlawful access to government