CONTRABAND OF WAR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 25 January 1911, Page 5

CONTRABAND OF WAR.

THE DECLARATION OF LONDON. ' —W > THE RATIFICATION PROBLEM. AWAITING THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. Pres3 Association.— Copyright LONDON, Tuesday. The "Daily News" states that jE tlit Imperial Conference supports Australia with regard to the Declaration of London, the decision will practically kill th e Declaration as far as England is concerned. The Declaration does not place Britain in a worse position as regards the raw material and foodstuffs concerned, and it would be a pity if the Declaration w_ere obstructed because it was less progressive, than it might be. The "Daily News" interviewed Sir John Taverner, Agent-General for Victoria, who declared that the ratification of the Declaration as it-stands would be a "heathen policy." 'Germany and France were self-supporting,- but Britain was incapable of providing food for her millions .and was dependent on other countries, notably Australia. VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVE MEN. OPPOSITION TO RATIFICATION. THE NAVY AND THE TRADE ROUTES. (Received Jan. 25, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Tuesday. Lord Inyerclyde, (Chairman), addressing the Shipowners' Association at Glasgow, asked whether the Government's desire to ratify the Declaration of London was not equivalent to an admission fThat the Navy was unable to protect the trade routes. Admiral Wilson, he said, was too sanguine regarding tne impossibility of invasion. Britain was entitled to command the sea commercially and the Navy must be equal to any necessity. Admiral Fremaratle condemns the Declaration, believing that none of the signatories would observe it in w ar time. He says the International Court could have no 'power to enforce its decision. He is also of opinion that the new blockade rules would much hamper British naval commanders.