Show MIGHT CREATE FRICTION TROUBLE SURE IP BRITONS ESTABLISH CORDON OF WARSHIPS AT DELAGOA paris dec 29 the virtual seizure by british officials of vessels laden with american flour consigned to the boers and the statement of the lola An regarding an alleged anglo german portuguese treaty for the division 0 gals colonies between great britain and germany have aroused renewed interest in paris while there Is a desire to discredit the bokal Anze igers statement its publication has occasioned undoubted uneasiness because tee consummation of such a plan would be a diplomatic stroke unfavorable to france and russia the possession of delagoa bay is believed to be as essential to british success in south africa as a victory over the boer is essential to great britaina Brit ains international prestige therefore it is felt that it necessary great britain will take extreme measures an official of the french foreign office said to the correspondent of the associated press today with respect to the seizure of such a seizure Is absolutely outside of international rights and as foolish as though great britain supposing her to be at war with switzerland should declare a blockade of hamburg tor fear certain goods should reach the swiss from that source A decision to consider contraband would be regarded in diplomatic circles as a suicidal policy tor great britain as she would be most dependent for food supplies upon other nations in case a war arose involving her the official then proceeded to point out a number of precedents against the action of great britain in this matter he cited her own refusal during the franco prussian war to recognize as contraband coal consigned to france although it was known to be intended tor warships A still more pertinent instance arose during the franco chi nese war when great britain declined to accept a declaration of france making lice contraband obviously however the chief ground for apprehension is the belief that it great britain establishes a cordon of vessels across delagoa bay it would bo necessary for all nations to send naval vessels there to protect individual rights in such an event the presence of a large number of warships might create friction that would bring on grave results |