Evening star., 1923-05-01

cision there was much discussion in
diplomatic circles over the ultimate
effect Of that portion of the ruling
which prohibits foreign vessels from
bringing liquor into American ports
even under seal. 1t was pointed out
srnments require ships flying the
flags of those nations to carry wine
as part Of the rations for the crew,
and to serve 1t with all meals,
whether in home or foreign ports.
Obviously, It was declared. French
the mandate Of the Supreme Court
without violating the law of their
own country.
Facts CabIed Home.
Both the French and italian en-
bassies have laid all the facts before
their home governments, and Il was in
dfcated today that conferences with
american amer officials would follow. In
some quarters 1t was suggested that
the administration might be prevailed
upon to ask Congress to modify the
law at the next session of Congress
IN order to clear away the conflict.
Meantime. however, the two embassies
are concerned over the situation
which will obtain during the coming
summer and until Congress has an
opportunity to act
Despite the sweeping character Of
the prohibition laid down by the court
against Importation Of liquor into the
United States. foreign diplomatists do
not expect the decision to interfere
with the present practice Of bringing
IN enough to supply the STATS Of the
various embassies and legations. 1t
is suggested that liquor shipments
could be brought in under the Dip
lomatic seals Of the foreign govern
ments. without declaration and even
without the formal permits now
issued. since diplomatic pouches" are
not under international law subject to
moiestation or examination.
Dry Heads GratiAed.
The courts decision that liquor may
pe served on American ships outside
Joy In shipping centers, as placing the
American merchant marine on a par
with foreign competitors. The lack
or barroom had been considered by
many American shipowners as q
selves. some shippers said. Aad can
celed reservations on dry American
lines to transfer onto wet foreign
The Shipping Board fleet will re-
ent, at least, Chairman Lasker in
with the President at the White
House. The order removing all
AiQuoI lIOHl the meet, promulgated
some time ago, will stand.
Although tho court decision was
greeted with dismay by some "drys"
as opening the bars on American
ships at sea, Prohibition Commission
er Haynes and Wayne B. Wheeler ex-
pressed qualification.
Lasker Sees President.
Mr.. Lasker discussed with the
President for nearly an hour the sit
uation arising from the decision.
Later the President took the same
matter up with his cabinet and it
was considered likely that a definite
statement OF the administrations
night.
With respect to sale Of liquor on
American government-owned ships it
was pointed out that no facilities
now exist for the supplying Of liquor
courts ruling. oflcials also ques-
toned whether it would be expedi-
ent to resume sale of liquor on such
ships in the face Of an almost certain
attempt in Congress to forbid 1t.
the view Of the President that gov
ernment-owned ships are. in the in
tent of Congress, American territory.
and as such are amenable TO the pro-
visions OF the prohibition laws. even
though the Supreme Court has held
to the contrary.
Confronted with all of these ques-
tions. it was said authoritatively that
in any event some time would elapse
before the ban on liquor on Ameri-
can government-owned ships would
be lifted. The belief was advanced
by q high Official that the govern
ment might wait to see what action
was taken by American private ship
operators before deciding on any
course with respect to its own ton
mage.