FULL RIGHTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 14, 17 January 1940, Page 7

FULL RIGHTS.

IN NEUTRALITY ZONE.

British Reservation Until Scheme Really Works.

REPLY TO REPUBLICS.

United Tress Association.—Copyright.

LOXDOX, January 16,

The British Government's reply to the protest of the Pan-American Republics on December 23 that belligerent naval activity had violated their 300-mile neutral zone, says Britain reserves her full belligerent rights in the area until she is assured that the security scheme will operate successfully. The reply denies the right of the Pau-Ainerican Republic* unilaterally to withdraw certain privileges in that zone to which belligerents are entitled under international lew. The Pan-American protest stated that measures were being discussed to strengthen the zone. These included the prevention of belligerent ships taking on supplies and repairing damage after war-like acts in the zone. The British Note emphatically repudiates the suggestion that activities I of British warships justified neutrals in the adoption of punitive measures. It adds that if the American States I adopted such a scheme of sanctions they would be offering fierman warships and supply ships a vast sanctuary from which to attack Allied shipping and in which to take refuge to avoid combat. The Note suggests that the most effective method of safeguarding the zone would be to forbid the passage of German warships in it. If the Allies gave up the right to capture German shipping taking refuge in American waters this shipping should be laid up i under Pan-American control for the duration of the war. The exchange of Notes specifically instances the Admiral (iraf Sjiee encounter mid the British capture of German merchantmen. South American View. In opening a conference of the interAmerican Neutrality Committee, aimed at strengthening the neutral zone, the President of Brazil, Dr. Vargas, proclaimed the right of the American nations to establish the safety zone around their shores even if it was not recognised by existing international law. This, he asserted, was subject to revision in the light of modern developments, says the Rio de Janeiro correspondent of the Associated Press of America. "On general principle," said Dr. Vargas, "nothing justifies the interests of belligerents prevailing over the interests of neutrals. We will do what we can to keep distant from American seas armed clashes which might result in damage ( to our sovereignty." The Assistant Chief of the United States Air Corps, Brigadier-General Henry H. Arnold, in an interview in Washington, said the development of bombers was bringing South America within tactical radius of the belligerents. He hinted that freedom from the menace of foreign aircraft was temporary. Germany was not mentioned, but General Arnold said he envisaged the possibility of a belligerent acquiring bases in South America through internal coups, thus projecting the immediate problem of national defence. The Canal Zone must rely on bombers to prevent the establishment of bases which would not be permitted in the United States. U.S. SENATORS CRITICAL. BRITISH REPLY TO PROTEST. (Received 10.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, January 16. Senators criticised the British reply to the Pan-American protest against violation of the neutrality zone in so far as it suggests that the United States should be policing the zone. Administration officials are pleased at seeing the implied British recognition of the principle. The British reply suggested the enforcement of the zone by new methods. It expressed sympathy with the principle of the zone, but termed it unenforceable as at present constituted.