Evening star., 1940-12-22
IL. ). Examines
Gases Of Neutral
Seizure Of Ships
Some Authorities
Soy Non-BeIIigerents
Have Right Of Angory'
BY GOULD LINCOLN.

The problem of foreign shipping,
tied up in American ports, is forcing
itself more and more on the atten-
ton of the Government, because Of
the sinking of merchant vessels in
large numbers in the European war.
Consideration is being given to the
possible requisitioning of these ships.
Involved is question of policy as
well as a question of law. Should
the United States Government de-
termine to take over these ships,
1t might do so for its own use, to
supplement the American merchant
marine. Or it has been suggested it
might take them over with the idea
of leasing" them to the British.
From Germany has come warm
ing that the seizure of these foreign
flag ships might be considered a
casus beli. The warning, on which
Secretary Hull declined comment,
was issued in Berlin by an official
foreign office spokesman, comment
ing on a statement by Ronald H.
Cross, British minister of shipping.
to the effect that the assignment of
q certain number of enemy ships
in the United States to the British
service "are the only ways I can
see for replenishments of any con-
sequence"
Congressional Comment Sharp.
Congressional reaction yesterday
indicated that any formal proposal
directed at that end would en-
counter vigorous opposition. many
at the Capitol being outspokea in
their antagonism.
Senator Capper. Republican, of
Kansas said, Legislation would be
necessary before any such step
could be taken. and do not believe
Congress would enact it,"
Senator Adams, Democrat, of Col
orado, said, I'VE haven't any right
to take foreign ships in time of
peace for our own or anybody elses
use. I don't think we ought to be-
come pirates and confiscate ships of
friendly nations"
Senator Bulow, Democrat. of
South Dakota, said. "At first blush
think it would lead us two steps
nearer war instead of one"
Senator Reed, Republican, of Kan
sas, said he would want to examine
such proposal very carefully"
adding, Il want to examine every
step We take to be sure that 1t won't
lead us into war"
King Would Rather Build.
Senator King, Democrat, of Utah:
Il doubt whether we ought to seize
these ships in the present state of
our relations with Germany. I
would rather build ships here as rap
idly as possible and lease them to
Great Britain. I don't want to take
any course that would give Germany
q semi i-excuse to declare a state Of
war against us"
Representative Fish. Republican,
of New York. said he thought Con-
gress would be unwilling ito destroy
the last vestiges of international law
by seizing either German or Italian
vessels in the United States and SELL
ing them to a belligerent nation
while we are at peace"
The Norwegian, Danish, Dutch
and Belgian merchant ships" he
| added in statement. come under a
different category and we might be
able to buy these ships and release
| them to the British"
Noting that the German foreign
Office spokesman charged the United
States, in her relations with Ger
many, was following a policy of pin
| pricks, injury, insult. challenge and
moral aggression" Mr.. Fish said
this country would decide on what
action to take to protect American
interest regardless of complaints
emanating from Berlin
Bundists Recalled.
"If the German government wants
to promote better relations with
u.s." he said, lit should use its in
fuence to stop activities of the
bundists in the United States and
withdraw its spies and agitators.
They are the worst enemies of Ger
many in America"
AS far as can be learned, the
American Government has come to
no decision in the matter of these
tied-up ships, of which there are
around 140 in the waters of the
United States, continental and ter
ritorial. OF the ships. AZ are Danish
owned, 27 Italian, II French, 2 Ger
man and l Lithuanian.
Legislation, as Senator Capper
(See SHTpS pace A.cl