The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-11-30
FREEDOM OF THE SEAS
And What 1t Means to People of
the World.

Copyright. 1918, by the United Press
London, Nov. 30.-Definition of the
phrase of freedom of the seas" is the
most important problem before the
world today. In its relation to the
league of nations, it forms the basis
for the chief points to be settled by
the great forthcoming world peace
conference.
Responding to a request for their
opinion of this all important problem.
leaders of British thought today re-
vealed a wide divergence of views.
Great significance is attached to this
fact as a result of the action of the
allies In amending President Wilson's
famous fourteen points so as to per-
NIT them to enter the peace conference
without having been committed to any
definition of the four words-"freedom
of the seas''-which seem destined to
| become the most vital feature of the
| international relationship.
Following are the answer to the re-
quest made by the United Press for the
| British view of what the definition
should be:
ADMIRAL. LORD BEREsFORD: The
British fleet insured victory. Without the
under the domination of Germany. The
| German view of freedom of the seas would
parallel their view Of freedom on land:
| Of the principles of our blockade. Di-
rectly it entered the war, 1t adopted the
s same met. methods and helped us. The league
| of the seas by the British fleet. The
| British empire will never consent to give
| up command of the seas, but would gladly
welcome the assistance of English speak
ing nations to retain that command.
nd n G. WELLs; Freedom shn ,os Of the seas
| tions of transit without discrimination in
freights and fires over all seas and in
| tons aud extortions by particular nations
or combines of private ship owners and
| BERNARD SHAW: Freedom Of the
| seas means if that you seize contraband
of war you pay for it, and for all Incl
dental damage; also that all nations have
internationally guaranteed the right of
way over all indispensable marine high
LIEUTENANT COLONEL REPING-
TON: Famous military critic) 1 have
I not the slightest idea what freedom of
the seas means, nor have l met any one
4: H POLLEN distinguished naval
| crttic) Germany was defeated largely be-
cause. at the last she was effectively be-
sieged by sea. Had neutrals been free to
| supply her, the war might have continued
from America, been stopped from the first,
it would have been over long ago. Non
combatant trading with Germany has cost
fifty billion dollars. If this is freedom OF
the seas. It has been a costly luxury. .
DaiIv Teieeranb1 IN war; wa recent Events fe
have shown, effective freedom of the seas
as OF the world, demands maintenance OF
ancient sea rights which have repeatedly
proved to be the salvation Of civilization
Philip II Of Spain. Napoleon and the kaiser
were defeated, and the American union
was saved thereby in the civil war Adolf
ton of the blockade and of contraband
would reduce the value of sea power 10 pei
mental armies to be sustained almost in
definitely. The sea coierOIs the land and
o-called freedom of the sens means mill
A. g. GARDINER editor of the Dali,
News: Freedom of the seas Is universe
u dispute Between nations, Il one natio1
rejects arbitration and the decision of tn,
league of nations, and declares war It vii
, ponent will have such nse safeguarded.
COLONEL J. c. WEDGWOoD, N. p.
Freedom Of the seas means abolition
private property at sea in war time ant
no discrimination ct ports between thu
different flags in peace time. Submarine
alter the old situation but always as
liberal. I support President Wilson.
RALPH p; BLUMENFIELD 6editoF 90 o
war there can be no such thing as free
dom Of the seas
the SPECTATOR: Freedom of the seas mean,
a sea freed, by vigilant policing from
thieves and murderers. just as freedom Of
| transport means a road free from simiial
|, PESTS. An, example is the action by the
Great Britain plus america now. Tn.
GESERAL F. q. MATRIE tformerly
british director Of operations) The :if
ficulty in freedom of the seas lies in II.
application to war There is no restriction
of navigation in peace. 1t has been suy
gested that it will be impossible to 1egIs
late satisfactorily for war. in which thu
! unexpected is the rule Methods of warfare
, change rapidly with mechanical develop
ments. Therefore, no government is viii
{ ing to bind its country indefinitely