"These measures, however, will be enforced by the British' and French Governments without risk to neutral ships or neutral or noncombatant lives and in strict observation of the dictates of humanity (Cheers). 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 be otherwise liable to confication. Vessels, with their cargoes, which sailed before this date will not be affected. That is our reply." (Loud cheers).
"T may say that the ion which I see put forward from German quarters, that we have rejected certain proposals or suggestions made to Great Britain and Germany by the United States, is untrue. All we have stated to the United States so far is that we have taken them into careful consideration in consultation with our Allies."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.