1940-03-21 — Page 3

THE CHINA MAIL, MARCH 21, 1940

BRITISH REPLY TO ITALIAN NOTE

1. Moraurs,

prome

ON COAL BLOCKADE QUEEN'S & ALHAMBRA

London, To-day.

THE BRITISH REPLY to the Italian Note of March 3 protesting against the working of the British contraband control was handed to Count Ciano, the Foreign Minister, in Rome yesterday. The reply points out that in considering the applica- tion of principles of international law in present circumstances, account must be taken of the fact that they are fighting an enemy who has re- peatedly and flagrantly disregarded those prin- ciples and even the common precepts of hu- manity.

The Italian Government would ap- preciate that if the enemy were to be free to pursue with impunity practices in total disregard of international law and moral principles, while Britain was expected at all times scrupulous- ly to observe them, Britain would be placed at a marked disadvantage in its conduct of the war.

S

Britain had no intention of Im- itating the barbarous methods of their opponents, from which Italian ships and nationals had Buffered along with those of other neutral powere

They therefore always sought to ensure that their action conformed to the accepted principles under which they exercised belligerent rights, but they were unable to accept the dis- abilities that would result for them full were they to refrain from the exercise of these rights.

MEETING WISHES The Note says efforts have been made to meet the desires of the Ita- lian and other neutral governments in exercise of the control.

In the western Mediterranean ar- after full rangements were made,

discussion with the Italian Govern- ment and the shipping interests con- cerned, which rendered the diversion of neutral ships unnecessary save in exceptional circumstances.

the

|

the Italian Government as set out in. the War Law of 1938.

BRITAIN'S RESOLVE Stating that Britain attaches great importance to the economic and po litical relations between Britain and Italy as set up by the agreements of April, 1938, the reply concludes: "The present reply will have been drafted largely in vain If it does not convince the Italian Government of the con- tinued resolve of Britain to have the greatest measure of regard for Italiar and other neutral interests that ar compatible with the maintenance those measures of legitimate control which they deem necessary for

the prosecution of the war." British Wireless.

DUTCH SHIP SUNK: SIX MISSING

The Hague, To-day. Another Dutch ship has fallen a victim of Nazi sea warfare.

A number of special facilities had been introduced in the eastern Mediterranean, as

She is result of

the Phobus, of 7,000 tons, which delays were greatly reduced. which sank yesterday after hitting a The Note concludes by emphasising mine off the south-east coast of Eng- "the continued resolve of the Bri-land. She was carrying a cargo of tish Government to have the greatest crude oil from the West Indies to Rot- measure of regard for Italian and ❘ terdam. ·

other neutral interests compatible Thirty of her crew were rescued by with the maintenance of those mea- liftboats from shore, but it is feared sures of legitimate control which they that six others are missing. deem necessary for the prosecution of the war."--Reuter.

This is the 25th Dutch ship sunk by the Nazis since the beginning of the war, bringing the toter Dutch losses to 95,598 tons of shipping and, more

Reuter. tragic still, 276 seamen.

CONTRABAND LIST

London, To-day. In the passage replying to Italian objections to a number of items in- *** A vessel of 7,412 tons, the Pho- cluded in the contraband list, the Note bus, a motor-vessel, was built, at Rot- points out that modern war necessar-terdam in 1928. Of modern lines, she ily brings within the ambit increasing had a cruiser, stern and, was, built to classes of goods, a view which the Ita- carry petroleum in bulk. Some 440 lian Government seems to accept in feet long, she was owned by the Ne- the War Law of 1938 which sets out a derland Indische Tankstoomboot restricted list but provides that any Mattschappij. other articles may be added by royal decree.

"Furthermore,' "

the passage · con-

PROTECTION OF

tinues, "on the general question of LIGHTHOUSE VESSELS the British contraband list the Italian Government will be aware this list is closely modelled on that adopted by the United States Government in 1917."

Reciting previous correspondence already taken place between the gov- ernment on measures Britain finds necessary to take regarding mails, the reply submits that the practice is no means inconsistent with the views of

LEARN

DANCING IN 6 HOURS:

London, To-day. In reply to a Commons question whether steps had been taken to arm lightships for our own defence, "Mr. Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty, said we were forced to take measures to protect lighthouse vessels against the barbarous and cowardly German attacks on beacons which were maintained for the mariners of all nations, Reuter

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