The text of the Government's reply to the American Note
on contraband was published in the papers of Monday. It is a preliminary reply, expressed in terms at once friendly and frank, and designed to clear the ground and prevent miscon- ceptions. The Government, it -is pointed out, do not contest the general principles of international law on which they understand the American Note to be based. They cordially concur in the doctrine that a belligerent ought not to inter- fere with neutral commerce unless such interference is necessary for the belligerent's national safety, and then only to the extent of such necessity. Foodstuffs, it is admitted, should not be detained and submitted to a Prize Court with- out presumption that they are intended for the enemy. Nevertheless the Government join issue with the manner in which the 'United States seek to apply the principles of inter- national law. The American charge that Britain is respon- sible for a great decrease in American trade with neutral countries does not seem to be confirmed by such figures as are available.
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