AMERICAN LIQUOR TREATY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18703, 8 May 1924, Page 8

AMERICAN LIQUOR TREATY.

With the last formalities being completed, the agreement between Britain and the United States in restraint of liquor smuggling will begin to operate very soon. This may be regarded as a satisfactory settlement of a vexatious problem. The satisfaction can be felt without affecting any opinion that may be held concerning the Volstead Law itself. Whatever be thought of the efficacy or desirability of prohibition, there is only one way to regard wholesale violations of the law of any land. In the absence of this agreement, the British flag would continue to be used as it has been used in the past, as a cloak to cover lawless enterprise. Though the transfer of 'contraband cargo was effected dutside territorial waters, the British vessels engaged in liquor-running operations were actively assisting in attacks on the law of a friendly nation. If the American authorities exceeded their powers in preventive action, Britain waff immediately called upon to intervene with protests. That course was usually followed, but the whole situation was humiliating. How distasteful such a business can be to a conscientious diplomatic official is revealed, from another standpoint, in the memoirs of the late Walter H. Page, formerly American Ambassador in London. During the war he was frequently required to intervene on behalf of American citizens trying to send contraband to Germany. He did his duty, but showed plainly that lit went against the grain. Similar feelings oan reasonably be attributed to . the. ©ritish Embassy at Washington. In addition, successful working of the agreement will remove a long-standing source of irritation, felt by both parties. From every aspect this amicable settlement between the two nations is heartily to be welcomed.