The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-03-28
Leak Through Border Neutrals.

Lord Robert then produced a number
of figures which he contended proved
there was no leakage. He still felt, how
ever, that everything necessary had not
been done to complete the blockade OF
Germany There was the question Of the
home produce of border neutrals, which
was a most difficult subject. He said he
had arrived at the conclusion that the
only way to deal with this matter was
by securing agreements with neutrals to
stop or diminish such trade.
The Blockade Minister went at great
length into the difficulties surrounding
any attempt to compel neutral countries
to sever all trade relations with Ger
many The technical and military posi-
tions Of those countries had to be con-
sidered he said. Concerning Denmark.
Lord Robert said the Government be-
lieved the agreements with Denmark had
been honestly carried out and that there
was no reason to modify the present
blockade policy as affecting Denmark.
Lord Robert concluded by saying he
had never claimed that miracles could
be achieved with the blockade. but he
believed there was n great shortage OF
food in Germany and considerable
, shortage of other things as result OF
the blockade.
ct cannot disregard or disbelieve re-
peated we'll authenticated statements OF
| food riots" said the Blockade Minister.
| "as indicating profound discomfort on
| the part of the German population with
! the prevailing conditions. I believe the
war will be won only on the battlefield.
! but when We come to the final battle
the effect OF the blockade will count
greatly"
Neutral Seizures Opposed.
Sir Edward Carson. First Lord OF the
| Admiralty. characterized the demand
| that the blockade should be left to the
! navy. rs suggested in the House OF
| Lords by Admiral Lord Charles Beres-
ford, retired. as absurd. The Cabinet
had laid down the policy and the Foreign
Office by negotiations and the navy by
action had to carry out that policy. Sir
| Edward added that the adoption OF a
doctrine for the seizure OF every neutral
ship and its cargo would mean that
Great Britain should so to war with
| every body
The Admiralty. Sir Edward continued
was satisfied with its relations with tn.
Foreign Office, and the present policy OF
the Cabinet was the only possible policy
having regard for the complica tions thai
would ensue IL the Government adopted
a more aggressive attitude towarc
friendly neutrals. The First Sea Lore
had told him, Sir Edward said, that h,
was aware OF no other system than tn,
existing one Of blockading German,
through neutral countries. The Admi
rally Department was In thorough agree
mcnt and was working harmonousl,
with the Minister of Blockade and h,
believed everything possible was beini
done.
: Although steps have been taken I,
introduce a limited supply OF foodstuff
into Greece. the blockade institute,
against that country will not be raise,
| until the demands OF the Entente Allie
have been satisfactorily executed. Lor,
, Robert Cecil declared. Replying to
question whether any deaths by starva
ton had occurred in Greece owing T.
: the shortage OF food. Lord Robert sat
r there we're reports OF two deaths In Jan
vary, but the British Government haI
no oficiAl couaymakion Of this.