_An Associated Press dispatch dated London, July 16, says:_
According to an Amsterdam dispatch to Reuter's Telegram Company it is
stated from Vienna that the Austro-Hungarian Minister of Foreign
Affairs sent a note to the American Ambassador at Vienna on June 29,
drawing attention to the fact that commercial business in war material
on a great scale is proceeding between the United States and Great
Britain and her Allies, while Austria-Hungary and Germany are
completely cut off from the American market.
It is set forth in the note that this subject has occupied the
Government of the Dual Monarchy from the very beginning, and, although
the Government is convinced that the American attitude arises from no
other intention than to observe the strictest neutrality and
international agreements, yet "the question arises whether conditions
as they have developed during the course of the war, certainly
independently of the wish of the American Government, are not of such
a kind as in their effect to turn the intentions of the Washington
Cabinet in a contrary direction.
"If this question is answered in the affirmative, and its affirmation
cannot be doubted," according to the opinion of the Austro-Hungarian
Government, "then the question follows whether it does not seem
possible, or even necessary, that appropriate measures should be taken
to make fully respected the wish of the American Government to remain
a strictly impartial vis-a-vis of both belligerent parties."
The note continues:
"A neutral government cannot be allowed to trade in contraband
unhindered, if the trade take the form and dimensions whereby the
neutrality of the country will be endangered. The export of war
material from the United States as a proceeding of the present war is
not in consonance with the definition of neutrality. The American
Government, therefore, is undoubtedly entitled to prohibit the export
of war material.
"Regarding the possible objections that American industry is willing
to supply Austria-Hungary and Germany, which, however, is impossible
owing to the war situation, it may be pointed out that the American
Government is in a position to redress this state of things. It would
be quite sufficient to advise the enemies of Austria-Hungary and
Germany that the supply of foodstuffs and war material would be
suspended if legitimate trade in these articles between Americans and
neutral countries was not permitted."
In conclusion, the Austro-Hungarian Government appeals to the United
States, calling attention to the uninterrupted good relations and
friendship between that country and the dual monarchy, to take the
present note under careful consideration.