SOVIET ACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 11

SOVIET ACTION

CONTRABAND NOTE NAZI INSISTENCE HARMLESS THEEATS ATTITUDE TO BRITAIN "By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received Oct. 27, 5.5. p.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 20 Diplomats believe that Russia's contraband Note to Britain was presented because Germany had insisted, after the collapse of the Nazi peace offensive and in fulfilment of the agreement to consult and act appropriately, says the Moscow correspondent of 'the New York Times. The correspondent adds that the conclusion is that the threats are harmless. The claim to compensation seems to outrule any bellicose intentions.

BRITAIN'S SURPRISE ACCEPTANCE UNLIKELY PRECEDENTS FOR POLICY NO VIOLATION OF LAW /• British Wireless " LONDON, Oct. 20 Russia's 'Note regarding the British contraband list was only received in London officially to-day, and it is now being considered. In well-informed quarters it is understood that it has been received at this stage with considerable surprise, and it may be said there is no likelihood of "the arguments it contains being admitted. The British contraband policy and practice is fully in accordance with international law. Belligerents are entirely free to specify the articles useful in the prosecution of a war which they will regard as contraband, and the classes of goods treated as contraband in the British proclamation of September 3 correspond closely to those proclaimed to be contraband by both sides in the last war, including the United States.

Fuel, for instance, one of the classes of goods to the inclusion of which exception is taken in the Soviet Note, is an essential material in the conduct of a modern war, while cotton, which is also mentioned, is widely used in the manufacture of explosives. Foodstuffs were also treated as conditional contraband as long ago as the eighteenth century. In view of the fact that an appeal is made in the Soviet Note to the 1909 Declaration of London, it is recalled that although that declaration was never fully ratified by any Power, an attempt to apply it was made by Britain in the early stages of the last war. This attempt broke down, and inasmuch as it excluded from the list of contraband such articles as metallic ores and cotton, the failure is not surprising. Regarding the practice followed by Britain in controlling trade in contraband, of diverting ships to specified ports, this is adopted owing to the proved impossibility of searching and examining at sea the cargoes of large ships carrying a varied assortment of general merchandise.

UNDERSTANDING URGED BRITAIN AND RUSSIA REMOVE SUPPORT FOR NAZIS British "Wireless LONDON. Oct. 26 In the House of Commons to-day, the Libera! leader, Sir Archibald Sinclair, supported the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain. Sir Archibald urged the Government not to allow relations with Russia to stagnate in the present unsatisfactory, and even dangerous, position. He added that it would be a grave dereliction of duty if the Government left the .Russian field open to the Germans. Britain should, bv vigorous initiative iu the commercial and diplomatic fields, convince the Soviet Government that the interests of mankind would best bo served by an understanding and collaboration between Britain, Franco and Russia.

CLOSE WATCH ON LINERS NEW YORK PRECAUTIONS NEW YORK, Oct. 26 Scores of police and watchmen, and also coastguard and police boats, are constantly guarding tho liners Queen Mary and Normandie, as waterside authorities fear sabotage. Only those on urgent business, and armed with credentials, are allowed aboard. Even cars are not permitted to halt in the vicinity, and five mounted police are assigned to keep i the traffic moving.