London, Feb, 24.
A further indictment of Germany's alleged violation of international law was contained in the British reply to the United States protest against the extension of contraband control which was handed to the American Charge d'Affairs on Thursday, it was learned last night.
The British reply claimed that Germany failed to comply with the provisions and rules of maritime war, giving Britain the right to exact reprisals. The reply charged many with violating the Declaration of Paris by sinking both Allie and neutral ships regardless of the nature of their ownership or destination ut their cargoes. Germany also violated the submarine protocol, the reply continued, by sinking merchant ships without providing for the safety of those aboard. Germany violated the Hague Convention of 1917 relating to mines, it went on.
It was understood the reply pointed out that German tactics placed Britain under a disadvantage in international law. The rules protecting neutral commerce on the seas are based on compromise between both belligerents that neutrals will be respected and the. neutrals in turn are to see to it that they are respected, the reply continued, The British view, it was reported, maintained that when the law was violated the compromises ceased to be binding.
Britain appreciates the inconveniences caused -America and other neutrals, it was said, but at the same ime Britain cannot surrender her advantages which fully entitle her to exact reprisals—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.