Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-05-03

Washington, May 1.-The American
government, taking a positive posi-
tlon with regard to the transporta-
ton of liquor into territorial waters
of the United States. decreed today
that the rigorous Interpretation of
the prohibition law given by the Su-
premc Court shall become effective
June 10.
Secretary Hughes was requested
by the treasury to communicate no.
tice Of the decision to all foreign
governments. The Treasury. which
has jurisdiction over all prohibition
enforcement, suggested that the
State Department ADVISE foreign
governments that all ships entering
the three mile limit would be sub
Ject to the new application of the
law without exemption and that no
further pronouncement may be eX-
pected from this government regard
ing the effective date.
While the position adopted by the
administration a backward step, it
seemed certain that Representations
will come from some foreign govern
ments who may regard the courts
Interpretation of the law as an in
fringement of their rights. Secre-
tary Hughes was said to regard the
position OF the American government
Us sound and with plenty of prece-
dents establishing the rights which
it has assumed. There were, on the
ether hand. some government Of
ficials who believed the United States
could not fail in the interest of the
international committee. to take no.
tice of protests by foreign govern
ments if any are made.
Washington emba SSieS and lega-
tons of practically all maritime
powers OF the world already have adj
viSCd their home governments Of the
court decision.
While the State Department Of
ficials are of the opinion that the de-
vision has in no way infringed upon
treaties with foreign governments, it
is not certain that the foreign pow
ers will accept that view. In fact.
some diplomatic quarters already
have let it he known that limitations
imposed by the decision are III direct
conflict with treaty provisions, par
ticuiarly i'll trade agreements guar
auteeing equality OF treatment to
shipping II is expected in diplo-
matte corps that there will be lengthy
negotiations between the United
States and foreign governments on
this phase Of the question.
] Treasury officials are acquainted
with the extreme deijCaCy % the sit
uation. it was asserted. and the in
! ference was given that unusual care
I will be used i'll drafting the resula
/ tons carrying the court order into
10 r1-
/ mentioned that consideration must
! he given the rights of foreign gov
! crnments under international laws
and treaties as well as the rights OF
our own citizens"
The Treasury's statement on the
question although brief declared
! equivocat:on that tn decision holds
that it IS unlawful for any vessel.
either foreign or domestic. TO bring
within the United States or within
territorial waters thereof, any hQuor
whatsoever for beverage purposes"
The Treasurys determination was
reached Ct conference in which
/ half dozen officials anticipated. in
GLIDING attorneys from tho Prohibi-
ton unit.
While Secretarys Mellon and
Hughes with their chief advisors
were engaged in framing the Amer!-
/ can governments policies. coast
the Atlantic rum feet cut Of bust
ness. Concentration O. available
cutters OF the New Jersey coast was
ordered and the cutters Seneca and
Manhattan during the day began
tours OF du-y which Will be designed
10 keep the rum fee; under surve.l-
LANCE twenty four hours q day.