THE AMERICAN NOTE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 13575, 31 December 1914, Page 3

THE AMERICAN NOTE.

CONCEALING CONTRABAND IN

CARGOES

HONEST MANIFESTS WANTED

LONDON, Dec. 30.

Awaiting the text of President Wi-1- 1 son's Note and accepting assurances of its friendly .tone throughout, the newspapers rely on the fairness of American opinion to ensure a commonsense adjustment of an admittedly thorny question iu a spirit of mutual goodwill. After remarking on the fact that the American newspapers have consistently grasped the fundamental fact that the ideals for which we are fighting are theirs no leßs than ours, the Times confidently anticipates a modus vivendi, which, while in accordance with the principles of international law, will meet the truly unprecedented features of this war and enable us to exercise to the uttermost all legitimate means of coercion of the enemy.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30. Referring to the American Note concerning neutral trade, President Wilson intimates that America will be able to deal confidently in the matter of contraband only if supported by absolutely honest manifests. Great' embarrassment was caused to the Government because some shippers concealed contraband in cargoes of non-contraband articles — -for example, underneath cotton shipments. As long as there were instances of that kind suspicion would be cast on every shipment, and all cargoes would be liable to search.

NEW YORK, Dec. 30. The evening papers commend the Note 3> but the Sun 1 warns England's enemies that the Note does not indicate hostility to England. The Daily' Telegraph's " Washington correspondent says President Wilson's whole idea in protesting was to lay the foundation for indemnities at the clo.se of the war. Meanwhile, the United States will continue to file protests against each seizure, diversion, or detention.. Cabinet discussed the whole question of the Note sent to England, and promised South American diplomats copies, owing to the interest of the Republics in the miestion.

Non-official qnarterg -hotly' discussed reprisals against Britain, and some Congressmen suggested an embargo against the shipment to the Allies of products which the United States'* considered legitimate articles of trade., but which Britain and France have refused to allow to reach their enemies.

Sir Cecil Spring Rice refused to comment on the. day's developments. The press ia vigorously discussing the question, and interest therein is overshadowing the war. German sympathisers, in the pres3, urge the United States to take -the strongest possible action against Britain.

strongest possinie action against ijritam. OTTAWA, Dec. 30. Mr Ayleßworth, ex-Ministor for Justice, opines that the United States' action is merely playing to the gallery. The whole question has probably been settled already between Britain and the United State?, but the latter is obliged to do something to satisfy the powerful interests affected.