RULES FOR MERCHANTMEN

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17079, 31 January 1916, Page 7

RULES FOR MERCHANTMEN

AMERICA AND THE POWERS. MR LANSING SETS OUT CONDITIONS. (Received January 30, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, January 29. Mr Lansing in a Note to belligerents informs the Powers that unless they subscribe to the following principles, armed merchantmen may be denied entry into American ports, except under conditions applying to warships:— (1) A belligerent merchantman has the right to rely on the rules of international law and humanity. (2) Merchant ships of any nationality are not subject to attack without warning. (3) A belligerent merchant ship should promptly obey orders to stop. (4) A merchant ship should not be fired on unless she tries to resist, and even then the attack should cease directly her flight or resistance ceases. (5) Sinking is justified only if it is impossible to supply a prize crew, and in that case passengers and crew must be removed to a place of safety. Mr Lansing adds that in view of the extensive use of submarines, which armed merchant ships are able to attack, there is grave doubt if it is legal for merchant ships to carry armament. He therefore asks the Powers to make the above declaration on condition that their enemies make, similar declarations.

NO GU*flS WANTED.

AR.MED MERCHANT SHIPS

BARRED,

WASHINGTON. January 2S.

The United States Government has notified all the 'European Governments that merchantmen in future must not carry any armaments. If guns are aboard, merchantmen will be denied entrance to American ports.