New-York tribune., 1917-07-10
Enemy Aliens
Demand for a White List of Patriotic
Underwriters
To the Editor of The Tribune.

| To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: I have been much interested in the
discussion in The Tribune and In other
newspapers of the evil results OF efectlng
insurance in German companies, information
being thus impaired to a country with whcn
we are at war. 1t has been stated that an
opinion has been given by an eminent expert
in international law to the effect that an
enemy alien may continue to transact the
business Of insurance in this country and
that it is the right of our citizens to eHect
insurance with such alien. although the IN
formation which must be given by the appli-
cant for insurance might frequently, In the
case OF vessels and csrgoes, prove valuaole
aid to our enemy in the conduct OF Its MILL
tary operations.
The opinion not having been published, one
cannot form any judgment as TO its sound
! ness; possibly it may not go as far as 1t IS
reported. But, assuming that it correctly
states the law, that by no means ends the
matter. The country with which we are now
at war has so frequently preached interna-
tionel law in its relations with ourselves tnat
a breach on our part touching this business
of insurance would be a reasonable ana leglu-
mate reprisal, such as is universally recog-
nized when a state of war exists. however,
that is a question wholly for our AdminlStra-
ton. which presumably will take II up ana
dispose of it in due course.
Meanwhile, IS there anything that we indl-
yidually can do toward plugging the leak that
evidently exists. Most OF us, 1t Is to oe
hoped. are sufficiently patriotic to waive some
of our strict legal rights, even at some loss
to ourselves, if by so doing our country
cause be aided Here is suggestion: Inc
corporations and associations Of underwritels
in this port and its vicinity who under"rlte
marine risks and fire risks on vessels, build
ing or in commission. and on cargoes are ho0
very numerous-they can be found enumer-
sted in anv classified business directory. few
enterprising reporters could interview all OF
them-or at least the more important ones
in two or three days, and could ascertain
which of them. since our country entered the
war. have scrupulously refrGined from effect
ing reinsurance with any corporation or as
sociation of enemy origin, or with the agent
of anv such. list could then be prepared
and published black list, white one
If "Patriotic Underwriters of Vessels and
Cargoes" If the first publication were not
complete names could be added TO II as they
were sent in The compilers should be I'D
eral. including not only those who ceased re-
insurance at once on the declaration OF war,
but also those who discontinued as soon as
they learned that the information thus dis
closed to an enemy alien was likely to give
aid. if not comfort, to the nation with when
we are at war. Indeed, there might be locus
prnitentiae for those who had continued the
obnoxious practice after its evil results were
disclosed but had later decided TO turn over
a new leaf and to range themselves with
those Of their fellow citizens who are Wiling
to waive some of their legal rights, and even
20 incur some business loss, to help their
country's cause.
In making up such list you would have
TO rely upon the statements made by the per-
sons inquired Of But that might safely be.
If any one should lie about this matter and
the lie be subsequently found out, as it surely
would be, the consequences might be suil-
GENTLY dsagreeable to induce the person in
ouired of TO be reasonably circumspect IN
answering your questions.
The list might be useful for loyal citizens
about to take cut insurance on vessels or
cargoes. r. HENRI LAOo'lpE'
New York, July 6, 1917.