CRISIS THREAT

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 100, 22 January 1940, Page 8

CRISIS THREAT

Britain And U.S.A. In Dispute

MAIL CENSORSHIP QUESTION

American Irritation At British Attitude

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received January 21, 8.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 20. A serious diplomatic crisis between Britain and the United States threatens to grow out of the British rejection of the United States Note protesting against the censorship and examination of United States mails in British, American and neutral ships. The Australian Associated Press learns reliably that the State Department is most irritated at the British attitude regarding this and other questions. It warned the British Ambassador, Lord Lothian, in the strongest terms of the United States’ dissatisfaction and a sharp Note is likely to reject the British argument. Resentment arises not only from the-stiffness of the tone of the British Note justifying interference, but also from the generally adamant British attitude to a number of disputed points, including commercial restrictions on United States exports and interference with United States shipping outside the war area.

It is understood that Lord Lothian was invited to the State Department, where ho was informed of the official United States view and warned of the unfortunate effect of the British attitude on American public opinion. It is gathered that the State Department considers the situation at, least potentially serious.

The Washingon correspondent of the “New York Times” says it is feared that irritation is spreading-and i.s capable of disturbing the cordial, relations between Britain and America.

Officials are well aware that the British are fighting a war and operating a blockade, but they find it difficult to understand the reason for a number of actions merely annoying the American public and not aiding Britain. Sympathy Endangered. It is felt that the British attitude is endangering the intense sympathy of most Americans toward Britain. The Secretary of .State, Mr. Hull, revealed that he was investigating the reported British discontinuance of the purchase of American tobacco and commerce restrictions generally, aud hinted that action was contemplated. The restrictions include a hitherto undisclosed British ban on United States shipments of lubricants to Norway, holding United States ships for long periods at Gibraltar, and inroads on American trade with Latin America.

'There is a feeling that Britain is buying from the Argentine and Brazil far in excess of her needs and require-, meats to keep supplies from Germany, and American trade is suffering difficulties unnecessarily. Mr. Edwin L. Janies, managing editor of the “New York Times,” says plainly that the possibility exists of a diplomatic difference resembling a world war argument. “It is difficult to see what the British think they can gain by interference with United States mails,” he says. “Could \vhat is taken from mails destined for Germany compensate the British for the loss by the irritation caused in the United States? The World ■War saw a good deal of pro-German sentiment in the United States. In this war at least 80 per cent, are antiHitler. It would seem too valuable for Britain to risk modifying this by searching United States mail on the high seas.”