AMERICA AND THE RIGHTS OF NEUTRALS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 82, 7 April 1915, Page 5

AMERICA AND THE RIGHTS OF NEUTRALS.

PRESIDENT ADMITS GERMANY DOES NOT FIGHT FAIRLY.

BUT SUGGESTS THAT BKITAIJT SHOULD STRICTLY KEEP THE RULES.

TRANSHIPMENT TO GERMANY THROUGH NEUTRAL PORTS.

.. " ' LONDON, April 6. The United States Xote handed by Mr. W. H. Page, to Sir Edward Grey, asserts that the fact that the British blockadcWars many neutral ports as though they were ports of Britain's enemies, and places neutrals under the same suspicion as the enemy, is a distinct invasion of sovereign rights. The United States, the Note proceeds, is not oblivious to the great changes in the conditions of naval warfare since blockade rules were formulated, but, whatever form of blockade is adopted, it should be easily practicable to provide a passage cordon without conflicting with belligerents' rights. If the course pursued by Britain's enemies proves tainted with illegality in disregard o£ the principles of war as sanctioned by enlightened nations, the United States does not suppose Great Britain will taint her acts or justify them by similar practices.

The Xote adds that if the Order-in-Council were carried out it would constitute a practical assertion of unlimited belligerent rights over neutral commerce, and an almost unqualified denial of neutrals' sovereign rights. Belligerents had already been, conceded the right of search, and capture if contraband is found. ~( , ,:

The Note assumes that Britain will not deny the right of transport of innocent shipments to and from'the United States through neutral countries to belligerent territory. Hitherto Britain has not questioned these rights. For America to admit such interference would be an un-neutral act towards Britain's enemies. If Britain made such a claim it would be equivalent to setting at nought the principle for which she has consistently contended in the past.

The United States has dispatched a similar friendly Note to France declaring that it is unable- to admit the right of the Allies to place an embargo on all commercial intercourse between Germany and neutral countries. The Note contends that if America admits the right it will be equivalent to adopting an attitude of non-neutrality towards the enemies of Britain and France.

The London Press cordially welcomes the United States Note, commenting upon its friendly tone. The "Daily Telegraph" states that the suggestion concerning a passage cordon will doubtless receive attention.

The "Daily Chronicle" states that the Allies could not, without destroying their policy, permit non-contraband to reach Germany through neutrals.