The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1916-05-05
BRITISH REPLY TO U. S.
ON TRADE INTERFERENCE
Nets, Endorsed by France, Declares
Trade interference "JudiciaIly
Sound and Valid"

lIdI ITdue, mdUe pubIlC wednesday al
the state department, contends that
the practices complained of are "ju
diCially sound and valid" and that the
relief which neutrals seek Is rather to
be obtained By the mitigation of nee,
essary hardsh.p3 than b. abrupt
changes, either in theory or applica-
ton, Of policy based upon admitted
principles of international law care
fully adjusted to the altered conditions
Of modern warfare"
1t discloses that IAN impartial and
Influential commission" has been ap.
pointed to find ways to minimize de-
lays, and pledges the allies to make
their restraints on trade as little bur.
densOme to neutrals as possible.
The note, In which the French gov
eminent conCurs, reiterates the mill
tary necessity of regulating commerce
to neutrals contiguous to Germany,
and justifies the effectiveness of the
blockade, which was challenged by the
last American note.
Mere diplomatic correspondence
over the issue is expected. The note
says, in conclusion:
His majesty's government has
noted with sincere satisfaction the in
timation contained in the concluding
passage OF the United States note OF
the intention Of the United States to
undertake the task of championing the
integrity Of neutral rights.
"The first act of this war was the
unprOyoked invasion by the enemy OF
neutral territory-that OF Belgium
which he was solemnly pledged by
treaty to protect. The disregard of
neutral rights has since been extend.
ed to naval warfare by the wanton de-
struction CT neutral merchant ships on
the high seas, regardless of the lives
OF those on board. His majesty's gov.
eminent would welcome any combina.
ton Of neutral nations under the lead
Of the United States which would exert
an effective influence to prevent the
violation Of neutral rights, and It can
not believe that 1t or It's allies has
much to fear from any combination for
the protection OF those rights, which
takes an impartial and comprehensive
view Of the conductance of this war
and judges 1t by reasonable interpre-
tatiOn OF the generally accepted pro-
visions Of international law and by the
rules Of humanity that have hitherto
been approved by the civilized world.
1T would seen to be a fair reply to
such contention that new devices for
dispatching goods to the enemy must
be met by new Llethods of applying
the fundamental and acknowledged |
principles of the right to intercept
such trade"
Admiral Jelllco's report concludes:
1.-THE difference between the British
and the German procedure Is that we
have acted in the way which causes
the least discomfort to 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 prize
regulations, we examinate them, Civ.
Ing as little inconvenience as modern
naval conditions will allow, sending
hem into port only where this be.
comes necessary"
The note adds that a further reason
or bringing ships into harbor is the
necessity for close examination Of all
suspected persons which has been
made necessary by "the German prac.
ice Of misusing United States pass.
PORTS to procure safe conduct for mill
airy persons and agents."
The note discusses the question OF
he proofs OF the destination of con.
raband. {
1.-THE right Of a belligerent to inter
'ept contraband on its way to his
nemy," 1t says, rs fundamental and
ncontestible and ought not to be re- !
tricted to intercepting contraband
Which happens to be accompanied on E
'oard the ships by proofs sufficient
o condemn it. What is essential is to
etermine whether or not the goods
we're on their way to the enemy. II
hey were, a belligerent is entitled to
etain them, and having regard to the
allure Of the struggle in which the al.
es are engaged, they are compelled to
AXE the most effectual steps to exer. q
Use that right" {
The note is about $4,000 words long :,
nd contains some appendices and a ;,
tatement from the French minister -
I marine sustaining the views ex. =
reSsed by Admiral Jellico