Her opponents are, therefore, driven to frame retaliatory measures in
order in their turn to prevent commodities of any kind from reaching or
leaving Germany.

These measures will, however, be enforced by the British and French
Governments without risk to neutral ships or neutral or non-combatant
lives, and in strict observation of the dictates of humanity. The
British and French Governments will, therefore, hold themselves free to
detain and take into port ships carrying goods of presumed enemy
destination, ownership, or origin.

It is not intended to confiscate such vessels or cargoes unless they
would otherwise be liable to confiscation. Vessels with cargoes which
sailed before this date will not be affected.


Britain's New and Original Blockade

American Protests Following the "War Zone" Decrees Defined

The first definite statement of the real character of the
measures adopted by Great Britain and her allies for
restricting the trade of Germany was obtained at Washington on
March 17, 1915, when Secretary Bryan made public the text of
all the recent notes exchanged between the United States
Government and Germany and the Allies regarding the freedom of
legitimate American commerce in the war zones. These notes,
six in all, show that Great Britain and France stand firm in
their announced intention to cut off all trade with Germany.