US PROTESTS BRITISH BAN ON REICH EXPORTS

Without otherwise modifying its moral and economic support for the Allied cause, the United States Government today asked Great Britain to cease from its newly established policy of seizing goods of German origin en route to the United States in neutral ships. Such trade is the legitimate wartime right of neutrals under international law, Secretary of State Cordell Hull declared in a courteous but firm note delivered to the British Foreign Office. . . .

The British order in council of Nov. 28, establishing control over goods of German origin on the high seas, is exceedingly broad in its terms. ``It literally would subject American vessels to diversion to British ports if they are found to be carrying goods of German origin or German ownership, regardless of the place of lading . . . or the place of destination, and regardless of the ownership of the goods at the time the vessel is intercepted. . . .''

There are ``practical reasons'' why the US does not accept the order. ``In many instances, orders for goods of German origin have been placed by American nationals for which they have made payment in whole or in part, or have otherwise delegated themselves. In other instances, the goods purchased or which might be purchased cannot readily, of at all, be duplicated in other markets.''

The Monitor is looking back at the events of World War II.