As regards the attitude of this country towards neutrals, Sir
Edward Grey observes "there will be no substantial interference with the trade of neutral ports except in so far as they constitute ports of access to and exit from the enemy territory," adding that "there are at this moment many neutral ports which it would be mere affectation to regard as offering facilities only for the commerce of the neutral country in which they are situated." His Majesty's Government, however, was ready to examine the facts in a spirit of con- sideration for the interests of neutrals wherever it was alleged that hardship might be inflicted upon thorn, and were prepared to deal with the cargo of the 'Neches' on these lines, if it was held that the case fell within this category. Finally, in a Note written on July 23rd, before the American Notes referred to were received, Sir Edward Grey dealt at length with the question of blockade, and declared that the British Govern- ment felt unable to accept the American contention that if a belligerent were so circumstanced that his commerce could pass through adjacent neutral ports as easily as through ports in his own territory, his opponent had no right to interfere. "Such a view seemed to them unsustainable either in point of law or upon principles of international equity." The American Press, as well as the officials at the State Department, applaud the frank yet conciliatory tone of the British Note, while anticipating prolonged exchange of arguments on the legal points raised.
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