Jan. 13.
Tue tone of the American Note, the tone of Sir Edward Grey's reply and the spirit in which both have been received in Britain and America indicate that, what-over else may come of the dis-ion, it need leave no soreness between the two countries. Divested of diplomatic wrap-vings, what the United States in effect, was this: Your are interfering unwarrantably with our trade to neutral countries; we cannot acquiesce your assumption that our ships must prove on the high eas that they are not carrying contraband destined for use by one of your enemies; on the contrary it is your business to prove, and on the high seas, that, the contraband you want to seize is intended for a third party, not the neutral to whom it appears to be consigned. Sir Edward Grey's reply frankly admits the principle that Great Britain should interfere as little as possible with trade between neutrals, and promises that she will abide by that principle. But he cannot sacrifice her right to _prevent belligerents from obtaining supplies from neutral countries, quoting figures of im. ports from America to Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Italy, he contends that Britain's interference has been exaggerated. On the Intter point. the statement promises to supply other figures. Meanwhile, the statement of President Wilson that the American Government must have absolutely honest—manifests, and that harm has been
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.