TENOR OF THE NOTE.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 6273, 2 January 1915, Page 3

TENOR OF THE NOTE.

Britain's Policy Criticised.

London, Jan 1

The Hon. Mr Page, United States Ambassador in London, in a brief covering letter, assured Sir E. Grey that President Wilson's representations were made in the friendliest

spirit,

The note states that Great Britain's present policy exceeds the manifest necessity of belligerents and constitutes restrictions on American citizen's rights on the high seas neither justified by the rules of international law nor required under the principle of self-preservation. It declares (that belligerents ought not to interfere with commerce between neutrals unless it is an imperative necessity to protect the national safety, and then only to the exient of necessity.

The Note states further that there is increasing belief, doubtless not entirely unjustified, that Britain's present policy towards American trade is responsible for the depression in certain industries dependent on European markets.

The Foreigu Office announces that Sir E. Grey's reply will be drafted in the same friendly spirit as President Wilson's Note. ..-t^ Copper SeipuYes. Senator WaMwfin a friendly speech states that^Great Britain detained thirty-onjfgships. carrying 19,350 tons of American copper, and seized the carg^p-s as contraband.