The Washington times., 1935-09-19
u. 5. TO SHUN
TRADE With
ITALIANS
WiIINot Insist on Neu-
trail Rights if League
BIockades
Copyright. 1888, BY International
News SeEviCe)

NCOpyr1ghCs 1880, Dy InteenaClOnM
News Service)
Alarmed at the rapidity with
which Europe appears to be drift
ing toward another big war, Sec
retary of State Cordell Hull and
his aides have found it irnpera-
tive to consider the question Of
American neutrality rights in
event the League Of Nations
should decide to blockade Italian
ports.
This question, involving the
vital issue Of freedom Of the seas,
already has been canvassed by
the State Department.
International News Service Is
able to disclose exclusively that
the preliminary canvasSing Of
the question has led to the belief
in official quarters that the
United States should refrain from
insisting on the right to trade
with Italy if the League Of Ma
tions imposes a blockade against
that nation in an effort to keep
peace in Europe.
Will Remain Passive
The view prevails in high Of
ficial quarters that If such a
blockade is imposed to check
Italian conquest. the risk Of the
United States becoming involved
in war with Great Britain and
other members Of the League by
insisting upon the right to ship
American goods through the
blockade would not be worth the
value Of American trade with
Italy.
THUS, the possibility loomed
that if war breaks out in Europe,
the State Department may recon-
mend to President Roosevelt that
this country refrain from pressing
its neutrality rights in connection
with any blockade against Italy.
Reversal of Policy
This would represent one Of the
most momentouS steps ever taken
by the United States to keep out
of European wars. It would be
a complete reversal Of the policy
followed by Woodrow Wilson dur.
ing the early years Of the World
War, when the United States in
sisted on its right to trade with
both sides.
President Roosevelt does not
possess any authority under eX-
listing law to prohibit American
nationals from trading with war
ring nations, except in war sup
plies.
The most he can do under ex.
listing law Is to place an embargo
on the shipment of munitions
and withdraw protection from
American nationals travelling on
the ships Of belilgerent nations.
However, the view prevailed in
State Department quarters that
he could adopt a passive stand
and not make an issue Of any
interference with American goods
if they were destined for q
blockaded port.
Refrain From Action
In this connection, Norman H.
Davis'S statement at Geneva in
May, 1898, was recalled.
At that time, Mr.. Davis told
the disarmament conference that
if other nations moved to check
aggression, the United States. II
it concurred "in the Judgment
rendered as to the responsible
and guilty party" would "re-
frain from any action tending to
defeat such collective effort which
these states may thus make to re-
store peace"
The canvassing of the all-im-
portant question led officials to
express the belief that the Amer
lean people would not be likely
to expect President Roosevelt to
risk American participation in an.
other European war by insisting
upon this country's right to trade
with Italy. If that nation was
blockaded by members Of the
League of Nations.