in "The Hague Conventions" in order to ascertain which of the articles
suggest some modification of the English statute.

I would also venture to suggest that, in Article 1 (1) (b) of the Bill
the words "or allows to depart," carried over from the old Act, should
be omitted, as of doubtful interpretation. Would it not also be
desirable to take this opportunity of severing the enlistment articles
of the overgrown principal Act from those forbidding the despatch of
ships fitted for hostilities and restricting the hospitality which may
be extended to belligerent war ships?

Upon quite a different subject, I should like to answer the question
propounded in your article, as to the weight now to be given to the
Declaration of London, by saying that no weight should be given to it,
except as between Powers who may have ratified it or may have agreed to
be temporarily bound by its provisions. One has of late been surprised
to read of vessels carrying contraband being allowed to continue their
voyage after surrendering the contraband goods, in accordance with a new
rule suggested by the Declaration, whereas, under still existing
international law, the duty of a captor is to bring in the vessel
together with her cargo, in order that the rightfulness of the seizure
may be investigated by a Prize Court.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
T. E. HOLLAND.
Oxford, November 23 (1912).


The Bill of 1912 "to amend the Foreign Enlistment Act, 1870,"
passed the House of Lords with little comment, but was