New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-26
Her Blockade Practices
"JuridicaIly Sound and
Valid" She Asserts.
FRANCE CONCURS
IN TERMS OF NOTE
New Devices for DiSpatching
Goods Met by New Ways
of Intercepting Them.

Washington. April %. The latest
British note in answer 70 American
protests against Allied interference
with neutral trade, made public to-
night AZ the State Department, con-
tends that the practices complained OF
are "juridically sound and valid IL
argues that the relief which neutrals
seek is rather 20 be obtained by the
mitigation of necessary hardships than
by "abrupt changes either in the
theory or application Of policy based
upon admitted principles Of interna-
tional law carefully adjusted to the
altered conditions Of modern warfare. y
II discloses that "an impartial and
influential commission" has been ap-
pointed 10 find ways 10 minimize de-
lays, and pledges 70 the Allies to make
their restraints on trade as little bur
donsome 10 neutrals as possible. The
note, in which tho French government
concurs, reiterates the military neces-
sity of regulating commerce TO neu-
trails contiguous 10 Germany and Just'-
fes the effectiveness Of the blockade
which was challenged by the last
American note. Further diplomatic
correspondence over the issue Is ex-
pected
Neutral Action Welcomed.
"His majesty's government" says
the note, "has noted with sincere sat
isfaction the intimation contained in
the concluding passages Of the United
States note of the intention Of the
United States 70 undertake the task
OF championing the integrity Of neu-
trail rights.
"The first act OF this war was the
unprovoked invasion by the enemy Of
neutral territory that of Belgium
which he was solemnly pledged by
treaty TO protect. The disre-
gard Of neutral rights has since been
extended 90 naval warfare by the wan
ton destruction of neutral merchant
ships on the high seas. regardless Of
the lives OF those on board.
"His majesty's government would
welcome any combination of neutral
nations under the lead OF the United
States which would exert an effective
influence TO prevent the violation OF
neutral rights. and cannot believe that
it or its allies have much 70 fear from
any combination for the protection Of
those rights which takes an impartial
and comprehensive view of the con-
duct of this var and judges il by a
reasonable Interpretation of the gen
orally accepted provisions Of interna-
tional law and by the rules Of hu-
manity that have hitherto been sp-
proved by the civilized world"
Modified Procedure Justified.
At the outset the note suggests that
the American complaint is not so much
that shipments intercepted really were
intended for use in the European neu-
trail countries 20 which they were dis
patched as that the dispatch OF goods
TO Great Britain's enemy had been
frustrated by methods not hitherto
employed by belligerents.
at would seem says the note, "to
be q fair reply TO such e contention
that new devices for dispatching goods
20 the enemy must be met by new
methods Of applying the fundamental
and acknowledged principles Of tho
right to intercept such trade"
AT some length the note argues tho
impossibility of making searches at
sea, for various reasons. among which
are weather. the size OF modern steam
ships and the manner in which con-
trsbsnd can be concealed. A report
from Admiral Sir John Jellicoe, COM
mander OF the grand feet, based upon
his experiences Of eighteen months, is
included. This report includes;
1.-THE difference between the British
and the German procedure is that We
have acted In the way which causes
the least discomfort 10 neutrals. In
stead Of sinking neutral ships engaged
In trade with the enemy, as the Ger
mans have done In so many cases, IN
direct contravention Of their own pr1ze
regulations We examine them
giving as little inconvenience as mod
ern naval conditions will allow, send
ing them into port only where this
becomes necessary"
United States Passports Misused.
The note adds that a further reason
for bringing ships into harbor is the
necessity for close examination Of all
suspected persons, which has been
made necessary by "tho German prac'
tice Of misusing United States pass
ports 20 procure safe conduct foi
military persons and agents"
At great length the note discusses
the question OF the proof Of the destina-
tion of contraband.
"The right OF a belligerent 20 inter
oept contraband on its way 10 his enc
my" 10 says, is fundamental and in
comfortable. and ought not 70 be re.
stricted 20 intercepting contraband
which happens 70 be accompanied OF
board the ships by proof sufficient 70
condemn H. What Is essential IL 70
determine whether OF not the goods
were on their way TO the enemy. II
they were belligerent u entitled "a