ON THE SEAS.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15219, 5 March 1915, Page 7

ON THE SEAS.

THE BLOCKADES.

GERMAN AND AMERICAN

NOTES

AMSTERDAM, March 3

The United States Note expresses the hone that Germany and Britain, by reciprocal concessions, may discover a ba«s «[ underKtnnding which would free neutral ships from serious dangers. This suggestion, it is indicated, is not a proposal, but the United States takes the liberty of a sincere friend actuated by a desire to serve the interests of humanity. Any agreement would bo a modus viveivdi based more on suitableness than legal right under international law. Tt suggests that no isolated or drifting mines be laid, and that all mines be anchored and constructed in such a way as to become harmless if they breaU loose from their anchorage. It suggests that mercantile ships of both parties shall not employ neutraf flags, and that .Britain agree that•.■fcod&tiiffs shall not be included in absolute contraband, and that she will not hold up cargoes of foodstuffs addressed to agencies in Germany, tho names of which will be communicated by the United States, and which will be for the purpose of handing goods to Hocused German retailers, for-exclusive distribution to the civil population.

The German reply states that Germany sees in America's suggestion n new proof of friendly feelings on tho part, of the Ur.itorl States. The suggestions made in it correspond with Germany's - wishos. Germany is waging naval war according t<? rules, taking into oonsiderotioTi the interests of neutrals as well as the laws of humanity. The observance of the Declaration of London by Germany's enemies would, it is admitted, create a new situation. Tt would not be nractieaMe for belligerent Powers to fully ronouiife the employment, of anchored (linaneljored 'f\ mines for offensive purpose, hut Germany wouid he-willing that her submarines should only employ ' thrir force against merchantmen for the, nurpos" of search. If hostile nationality and the presence of contraband were then proved, the wibmarinos would proceed a<"-cording to tho general international rules. It is obvious that hostile merchantmen mu<>t not Ik: armed, and that they should refrain from offering resistance. llegarding tho importation of food, it is suggested that the - regulations should include indirect importation via neutral ports. Hostile Governments would have to allow freo pae-sagc to Germany of raw materials included in the freo. list of tho Declaration of London, and to treat .foodstuffs and all materials contained in that list as conditional contraband.

Tho German Note concludes by paying that -ho effects of the war on neutral shipping would be ■substantially diminished if the importation of war material from neutrals to belligerents were, stopped, but tho adoption of a definite attitude by Germany must be postponed until the British reply to the American Note is received.