PANAMA AND WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11207, 13 October 1914, Page 4

PANAMA AND WAR.

DI7ERSIDNOF TRADE. The Pa ii nan a Canal, says the " New York Journal of Commerce," is destined at the outset to becomo a strategic highway of the world. There is much speculation in diplomatic circles at Washington over tho part the great isthmian waterway may play in the impending events. A NEUTRAL WATERWAY Treaty stipulation provides that the Panama waterway, like the Suez Canal, shall " - absolutely neutralised. Iv "shall be free and open to vessels of commerce and war of all nations'' and "shall never be blockaded', nor shall any right of war be exercised nor any act of hostility be committed within it." It is sunested at Washington, that " large part of the commerce which is now passing through Suez niav be diverted to Panama. WARSHIPS AND MERCHANTMEN. WT> : l« vessels of war as well commerce of belligerents may freely use the canal, exact rules haivo been devised to maintain the strictest neutrality of the waterway. The transit of war vessels must, be made with tho least possible delay, and with only such intermissions as may result fromtho necessities of the service. No belligerent may "embark or disembark troopSj munitions of war or warlike material® in the canal, except in the case of acci» dental hindrance of the transit) and in such case the transit shall be resumed with all possible despatch." ts-o arr OF HOSTILITY. The treaty provisions prohibiting any act of hostility in the any war vessel from exercising tiie right of search on a commercial vessel in transit through the waterway, and this provision likewise protects all ships within throe marine miles oi' either terminal