RUSSIA AND NEUTRAL SHIPPING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXV, Issue 198, 19 August 1904, Page 5

RUSSIA AND NEUTRAL SHIPPING.

MORE STEAMERS SEARCHED. A Significant Proclamation. LONDON, August 18. The proclamation issued by the Goverjor of Malta at the outset of the war, .vith regard to the coaling and provisionng of belligerent ships, wns amended yes.erday so as to exclude from these privileges vessels engaged in intercepting neutral ships on suspicion of carrying contraband. The proclamation is not applicable to'vessels entering port owing to ictual distress at sea. The Russian cruiser Ural, formerly a jerman steamer, and purchased after the .var began, has stopped the British ship icotia, off Gibraltar. The Scotia was taden with coal for Ajaceio, in Corsica. Her papers were examined, and she was illowed to proceed. It is stated that the Ural is searching for 200 British steamers that are carrying contraband, intended for transhipment from Spanish and Italian ports.

ORIENT LINER EXAMINED. (Received 8.25 a.m.) LONDON, August IS. The Russian volunteer cruiser Don, which was formerly the German steamer Furst Bismarck, followed and turned her searchlights upon the Orient R.M.s. Oroya, sixty miles from Cape Saint Vincent. She was, however, afterwards allowed to proceed on her voyage to Mediterannean ports and Australia. THE BRITISH CLAIMS. STATEMENT BT LORD LANSDOWNE. (Received 8.40 a.m.) LONDON, August 18. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (the Marquis of Lansdowne) has informed the Scottish Shipmasters' Association that all claims in connection with the seized vessels will be carefully verified and presented to Russia.