Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-03-24
CANAL CONTROL

nv u II kHOIly pTOUleHS before the peace COH.
ference is that of the treatment of the kiel canal. That
canal was constructed by Germany primarily as a means
OF war. BY means of it Germany could transport quickly
and safely her warships from the Baltic to the North sea,
and, while the German navy made a pitiful showing in
the wax, still the existence of the canal added very greatly
to- the problems of the Allies. So far as its military value
is concerned, the problem now could be solved simply
and quickly by the destruction Of the canal. But the
canal is useful for other purposes than those of war,
and it is not the proper policy Of civilization to destroy
those things which have value in the industries of peace.
whether in Germany or elsewhere.
Tie commission having in charge the consideration
Of matters affecting waterways has recommended that
the Kiel canal remain the property. of Germany, but
that its military works shall be dismantled and it's facili-
ties be thrown open to the shipping Of the world, mill
tary and commercial, on equal terms. This retention of
control by Germany does not meet with the approval OF
the American, British or French delegations, and a
counter proposal has been made that the canal be placed
under a control similar to that which governs the suez
canal. M
Although the Suez canal is virtually British, it is
managed under a form Of international control. 1t is
open to all nations, for whom, by the concessions of 1854,
the dues were to be the same, preferential systems of
any kind being forbidden. The canal and it's ports, in
fact, were to be open to every merchant ship without
distinction of nationality. This question of neutraliza-
ton by international agreement was raised in an acute
form during the Egyptian crisis of 1881. At the inter-
national conference then sitting at Constantinople vari-
Gus proposals were put forward to insure the use Of the
canal to all nations, and ultimately Great Britain, Ger
many, Austria, Spain, France. Italy, the Netherlands.
Russia and Turkey signed a convention the purpose Of
which was to insure that the canal should always be
free. and open in time of war as in peace, to every vessel
of commerce or of war, without distinction of flag"
Great Britain however, formulated a reservat ton
that the provisions Of the convention should only apply
SO far as they were compatible with the "transitory and
exceptional condition of Egypt and would not fetter the
liberty Of action Of the British government during its
occupation of that country Later, however, Great
Britain declared her adherence to the convention, but
stipulated that the signatory powers should meet once a
year to take note of the due execution Of the treaty.
Great waterways connecting important bodies of
water are everywhere recognized as having international
importance. The control of each is governed necessarily
by the peculiar conditions surrounding it, but the prin-
ciple of international interest is nevertheless recognized.
The Panama canal, for instance, was built by the United
States, and is controlled exclusively by the American
government. But the United States is bound by agree
ments of long standing which have been frequently re-
newed to operate this canal as an international rather
than a national waterway. We may make 4 whatever
Eregultions seem necessary with reference to it's operation.
but we must permit the use of it's facilities to all nations
on equal terms. -