Great Britain and the United States, acting independently but on
parallel lines, have presented Notes to the Russian Government on the treatment of neutral shipping. The American Note, following the lines of their declaration as to contraband at the time of the Spanish-American Wax, protests against the confiscation of flour on board the steamer 'Arabia,' and repeats the general American contention regarding coal. naphtha, Sze., as set forth in Mr. Hay's Note of June 10th, The British Note contends that Russia's doctrine is equivalent to a declaration that all foodstuffs consigned to a belligerent's port are absolute contraband, and maintains that proof is first necessary that the goods are intended for the belligerent's naval or military forces before they can be considered con- traband. The Note also contests Russia's right to sink neutral merchantmen, and demands compensation for the Knight Commander.' According to Renter's agent at St. Petersburg, it is understood that Russia will concede the point as to the distinction between conditional and absolute contraband, reserving cases of specific seizures of British vessels and cargoes for ulterior consideration.
