Evening star., 1923-05-27
SHIP LIQUOR BAN
PROTESTS GROW
Five Nations Present Views
Opposing Curb by U. S.
on Rum Supply.

The views of five foreign govern
ments with reference to the recent
Supreme Court decision prohib biting
liquor on foreign ships in American
territorial waters were before Treas
ury officials last night for their con-
sideration in framing regulations for
application of the decision. The sub
stance of the representations by the
five powers were transmitted by the
State Department which had received
from Great Britain and Spain writ
ten communications and from France.
Italy and the Netherlands verbal
statements OF their views.
Whether the course of Treasury
officials in framing regulations would
materially be modified by the repre-
SentationS was not apparent. but II
was indicated that before final ap-
proval was given any draft there
probably would be discussions with
State Department officials and with
representatives OF foreign govern
ments in Washington in the hope Of
meeting the wishes of all concerned
as nearly as possible. The hope that
the United States would discuss the
matter with the maritime powers was
expressed in the British note received
late Friday.
Time May BE Extended.
Officials declined to discuss the
Representations received to date in
the light of a course understood to
have virtually been decided upon
that of granting the privilege of
foreign liners to bring in liquors for
ratlonS for their crews as medincinal
SupDleS-but indicated that they
would do all consistent with their
authority to meet the points raised
Whether additional time would be re-
CURED beyond June 10, the date now
set fer application of the courts
decision, il was understood could only
be determined by developments
within the next few days.
All five countries in explaining their
position to the State Department have
taken approximately the same posi-
tion. holding that freedom of inter
rational commercial intercourse is
threatened il considerations of com
ity between nations are disregarded
In the application of the decision.
Views Are Secret
None of the communications has
been made public. but it was said
at the British embassy that the note
1t had submitted expressly refrained
from Contesting the jurisdiction of
the American port authorities over
vessels within the three-mile limit.
The main purpose of the note. il was
added. was to draw attention to the
fact that the extent to which each
its laws on the ships of another was
a matter of primary Importance in
the intercourse between nations, and
to express the hope that the United
States government. before departing
so materially from the common prac-
tice of all nations, would discuss the
matter with the maritime powers"
The Spanish note, in addition to call
Ing attention to the inconveniences which
would be imposed by the courts de-
cision is understood also TO have dis
CuSsed an earlier decision of the
Supreme Court constituting the applica-
tion of the NolStead law to the transpor-
tation of liquor in bond through the
United States. The court held that
such transit was forbidden. even if only
a transfer within the maritime belt from
one foreign ship to another bound for
foreign port.
Would Cut Business.
This decision is applica BILE, it is
said. to steamers of the Spanish
Royal Mail Steamship Company which
carry wines from Spain to Cuba and
Vera Cruz, but stop at New York TO
discharge cargoes which do not in
Clude liquors The "in transit deci-
sion" it was contended, if enforced
without consideration of comfy.
would make such business impossible
The hope was expressed that some
means would be found of averting
this blow to the Spanish mercantile
ilEti me Ilc spanish Is COH-
sidering abandoning its New York
service if some solution to the prob
lem cannot be found.
The Italian representations. like
those made by the French ambassa-
dor. We're based upon the require
ments OF their municipal laws that
their sailors be furnished liquor with
rations whether on the high seas or
in territorial waters. The belief was
expressed that it would be impossi-
for a voyage on an Italian ship unless
they We're to have their wine ration.