THE AMERICAN NOTE

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 98, 26 April 1916, Page 7

THE AMERICAN NOTE

The American Note regarding interference with trade reminds the British Government that it promised to minimise inconveniences, and regrets that it ha-s not done so. Instead, the interferences have been increasingly vexatious. There are three complaints : —Firstly, the taking of vessels to |K>rt for search, leading to powers that before the war were not contemplated. This practice, which results in the cargoes of innocent, vessels being detained on mere suspicion, causes America much loss of trade.' America, does not accept the British presumption that whens imports to an enemy's neutral neighbour increase, the goods are intended i'or re-export to the enemy, This

presumption is fundamentally unjust, u.ncl offers too great opportunities for abuse. America denounces as illegal and unjustifiable the attempt to interfere with trade because a belligerent suspects that imports are intended to replace goods sold to .the enemy. That is a matter with which the neutral vendor is not concerned Secondly, concerning the blockade, American commercial interests are hampered by the new consignment to corporations in neutral countries. America was formerly inclined to accept the so-called blockade under the Order-in-Council of 11th March, but in the circumstances now developed cannot longer permit it to remain unchallenged The blockade is neither effective nor impartial, because Scandinavia continues to trade with Germany Finally, there is no better settled principle in tho laws of nations than that forbidding the blockade of neutral ports, and the reasons for such a blockade cannot be regarded as legal. Thirdly; as to Prize Courts. These are fettered by restrictions contravening international law. ■ Moreover, Prize Courts cannot repair injury due to delay and the expense of bringing a. vessel to. port, and fear of interfering. America., views with alarm the British attempt to use illegal force to bring neutral vessels to port, and thereafter subjecting them to British international law. ■ The Note concludes " America cannot complacently suffer further subordination of its rights and interests on the plea that the exceptional geographical position of British enemies requires or justifies illegal practice. America insists that Britain shall conform to international law, and unhesitatingly assumes the task of championing neutral rights. She will impartially devote her energies thereto."