Published on the 28th of May, 1854.

Decree of the ministries of the interior, of the exterior, of justice and of trade, as well as of the commander-in-chief of the army of 25th May, 1854, by which are published the principles to be observed during the war that has broken out between England, France, and the Ottoman empire on the one side, and Russia on the other side, by the imperial authorities and subjects with reference to trade and navigation.

In consequence of the war which has broken out between England, France, and the Ottoman empire on the one side, and Russia on the other side, the following regulations are published with the consent of his Imperial Apostolic Majesty, given on the 23d May, 1854, according to which all imperial, civil, and military authorities, as well as all Austrian subjects, will have to regulate their conduct.

1. The acceptation or employment of lettres de marque under whatever form or flag, as well as every kind, share in the command, manning of, or fitting out of privateers, is prohibited to Austrian subjects. Whoever acts otherwise, has not only to expect no protection on the part of the imperial government, if he is subjected to punishment in other states, but he shall also be treated according to the existing laws for robbery, as the acceptance of lettres de marque is to be considered as an attempt at robbery.

2. Should foreign privateers provided with lettres de marque from one of the belligerent powers present themselves, the entrance into our harbors is to be refused, except in case of imminent danger from storms, and then their earliest possible departure must be insisted on.

3. It is forbidden to ships under Austrian colors to carry troops of the belligerent states, or to import into those countries commodities which, according to the law of nations, or other universally known regulations, are considered as contraband of war.

Of such commodities an Austrian ship in intercourse with these states may only carry so much as is strictly necessary for its own use or defense.

Whoever infringes on this prohibition has no protection to expect from the Austrian government in case of legitimate seizure and confiscation on the part of the belligerent states, but will be punished besides.

4. Austrian ships are forbidden to enter into such places and harbors as are besieged by one of the belligerent powers, or blockaded by a sufficient force, as otherwise they would neither have to expect to enjoy the freedom of a neutral flag, nor assistance or interference on the part of the imperial government.

5. Except in this case, Austrian merchant ships are not hindered, in spite of the existing war, in carrying on their trade and intercourse with the harbors of the powers engaged in the war, and in like manner the merchant-ships of the belligerent states may as before enter without hindrance into all Austrian harbors, remain as long as they please, get repairs, &c., &c., in so far as they observe the existing laws and regulations, and so long as their conduct is in accordance with the rules of neutrality.

With respect to the admission of foreign ships of war into Austrian harbors, the conditions of the decree of the ministry of war of the 29th of January, 1850, remain in force.

6. On the expectation that the neutral Austrian trade will be properly respected by the belligerent powers, and that the customary privileges of belligerents will be exercised with a proper observance of the laws of nations, or of any modifications of them consonant with treaties, it is herewith decreed that Austrian navigators shall not oppose themselves to visitation on the open sea on the part of foreign ships of war, but on the contrary shall, without difficulty, show the papers and documents by which their neutral capacity is proved, throw none of them into the sea, or otherwise destroy them, nor keep on board false or duplicate and secret papers.

The belligerent powers have besides officially expressed the satisfactory declaration that the property of the enemy in neutral ships, and neutral property in the enemy's ships, with the exception of contraband of war and the enemy's dispatches, shall be respected and not taken.

7. The captures which the belligerent powers make from the enemy may only be admitted into the harbor of Trieste, (with exception of every other Austrian harbor,) where the effects may be disembarked, deposited, administered, (in case they do not contain goods the import of which into the imperial states is forbidden,) bought, or sold, or be exported anew in the course of trade, but all under the condition that the judicial decision shall have been given by the competent authority of the power which has taken the prize as to their legitimacy. Should some goods be exposed in the mean time to injury, these may be sold beforehand, but only on sufficient security for their value being given, in case the decision should declare the liberation of the ship.

8. Should an Austrian ship, in spite of its obedience to the above regulations, be treated in an improper manner, information is to be given without delay to the nearest Austrian consular or other imperial authority, in order that the imperial government may take steps to obtain compensation and satisfaction from the foreign state, and when steps have already been taken by the injured party to support them.

9. These regulations will be put in force from the day of their publication.

BELGIUM.

(Received from her Majesty's legation at Brussels.)

[Translation.]

1. Article 14 section IX of the Navy Regulations for 1861.

No vessel taken by captains who have a foreign commission can remain more than 24 hours in our ports and harbors, unless compelled by storms, (or unless the prize is from our enemies.

2. Article 84 of the Penal Code.

Whoever exposes the state to a declaration of war, by hostile acts not approved by the government, shall be punished by banishment, and if war ensues, by deportation. 2. Article 85 of the Penal Code.

Whoever exposes Belgians to reprisals, through acts not approved by the government, shall suffer banishment.

4. The Crimean war declaration, of the 25th of April, 1854.

Merchants are notified that instructions have been issued to the judicial, naval, and army officials, to let them know that privateers of any flag, or with any letters of marque, or any commission, shall not enter our ports with prizes, except in stress of weather; and the officials are instructed to keep watch over them, and to send them to sea as soon as possible. They are also charged not to acknowledge any commission or letter of marque from the belligerents, without the King's permission.

Every person subject to the laws of the kingdom who arms privateers, or takes any part in such act, is liable to be treated abroad as pirates, and are amenable to the laws of Belgium.

5. The Italian war declaration, of the 8th of May, 1859.

Belgium adheres to the principles laid down in the declaration of the Paris Congress of the 16th of April, 1856.

Merchants are notified that instructions on this subject have been issued to the judicial, naval, and army officials.

Every person subject to the laws of the kingdom who arms privateers, or takes part in such act, or who violates neutrality, is liable to be treated as a pirate abroad, and to be prosecuted at home.

6. The American war declaration of the 22d June, 1861, was similar to that of 1859. 7. The Brazil-Paraguay war declaration of the 11th June, 1865, is the same.

8. The Spanish-Chili-Peru declarations of the 18th February, 1866, and the 14th March, 1866, are similar to the above.

DENMARK.

COPENHAGEN, April 30, 1867.

MY LORD: In pursuance of the instructions contained in your lordship's circular dispatch of the 14th of February, addressed to Sir Charles Murray, I have the honor to transmit herewith to your lordship copy of a note that has been addressed to me by Count Frys Frysenborg, transmitting copies of the Danish laws and regulations in vigor for the prevention of acts within Danish territories of which belligerents might complain as a violation of the duties of neutrality.

Inclosure No. 2 to this dispatch is a set of laws, with translation, dated May, 4, 1803, for the guidance of merchants and shipmasters in time of war between maratime powers. In the 13th article are enumerated the goods that are to be considered as contraband of war.

Very important special regulations are laid down in article 14, with a view to controlling the shipment of articles contraband of war, and to insuring their due delivery at neutral ports.

According to the 18th article, Danish owners and masters of merchant vessels who infringe the law not only forfeit their right to Danish citizenship and the protection of their government, in case of seizure by the enemy, but likewise expose themselves to prosecution by the tribunals of their country.

Various articles of the law of May 4, 1803, will be annuled by the provisions of a new Law bearing date March 13, 1867, (copy of which, together with a translation, was transitted to your lordship's office by Mr. Consul Bridges Taylor, in his despatch of the Zth instant,) and which is to come into force in the month of October of the present

Jear.

In it are defined the character of the ship's papers which all Danish merchant ships will in future be required to possess in order to prove their nationality.

They will consist of a certificate of registry, the articles of agreement, custom-house clearance, charter-party, and bills of lading.

The ancient Latin passports are abolished.

By a set of regulations embodied in an ancient circular of the Royal Danish Chancellerie, dated May 20, 1823, (enclosure No. 4 in this despatch, with translation,) privateers are forbidden to enter Danish ports, except on account of stress of weather or pursuit by an enemy. They are bound, however, to quit their place of refuge so soon as the danger be past.

An injunction is likewise laid on foreign vessels of war, as well as privateers, from. sending their prizes to or selling them or their cargoes in Danish ports, and Danish subjects are strictly forbidden to purchase any prize brought into Danish ports.

The 6th inclosure to this dispatch is a copy of circular, together with translation, which was addressed, during the Crimean war, to the commanders of vessels stationed in Danish waters, and points out the course they were directed to pursue in order to maintain the neutrality of Danish territory, and to prevent the commission of any act that might give umbrage to either of the belligerents at that time engaged in hostilities. I have likewise the honor to inclose herewith to your lordship copy of the 76th article of the Danish Penal Code of February 10, 1866, fixing the penalties to be inflicted on persons who, without royal authorization, should enlist soldiers in Denmark to serve in a foreign war.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, my lord, your lordship's most obedient humble servant,

The Lord STANLEY, P. M., &c., &c., &c.

FRANCIS CLARE FORD.

[Translation.]

COPENHAGEN, April 26, 1867.

SIR: After consulting the proper ministers about Sir Charles Murray's note of the 19th of February last in regard to the provisions of the law intended to prevent violations of neutrality towards foreign belligerent nations on Danish soil, I inclose to you-1. One copy of the ordinance of the 4th of May, 1803, containing instructions to captains and owners of vessels in regard to their conduct during a naval war in which Denmark takes no part. 2. The copy of a circular from the royal Danish cabinet, dated 20th May, 1823, specifying the conditions under which foreign war vessels and priva teers of belligerent nations may enter Danish ports, during a war in which Denmark is not interested. 3. A circular addressed to commanders of the royal navy in Danish waters during the Crimean war, prescribing neutrality according to laws in force, and prohibiting acts offensive to either belligerent power. 4. A French translation of article 76 of the penal code of 10th of February, 1866, specifying penalties incurred by persons recruiting soldiers on Danish soil, for the military service of a foreign power, without the King's consent.

In calling your attention to these ordinances and circulars, I deem it my duty to give you a brief analysis of the provisions of the ordinance of 4th May, 1803.

The articles from 1 to 13 contain forms of the papers necessary to prove the nationality of a Danish trading vessel, in a naval war between foreign powers. In reference to these provisions I must inform you that, as Latin passports are no longer required on trading vessels, in accordance with existing treaties between Denmark and Great Britain, (see Lord Russell's note of 29th June, 1861, to our minister in London,) the government has repealed the ordinance of 4th May, 1803, in relation to such passports; and, by a new law of the 13th March past, many other articles have been rescinded or modified. Article 2 of the said law only requires, as proof of the nationality of a trading vessel, the paper called "a certificate of nationality or registry," showing that the ship is on the list of those vessels having a right to carry the Danish flag. According to the same article, every registered vessel is only required to carry a crew-list, the cargo papers, and a custom-house clearance, in times of war or peace.

To prevent a misuse of the Danish flag in covering articles contraband of war, intended for belligerent powers or their subjects, article 13 of the ordinance of 4th May, 1803, gives a list of articles considered as contraband.

Article 14 forbids captains of trading vessels to carry those articles, unless he gives security that they are to be delivered at a neutral port. In such case, the master and freighters are obliged to observe certain formalities to prove that the goods were actually delivered at the neutral port.

Article 15 commands masters of trading vessels to observe the royal proclamations in relation to a blockaded port of either belligerent power. If masters are ignorant of such blockade, and near the blockaded port, they are required by this same article to heed a notice given by the blockading squadron at the port.

By article 18 of the same ordinance, freighters and masters who violate this law for

feit the protection of the government, and make themselves liable to prosecution in the

courts.

Hoping these remarks may prove satisfactory in answer to your questions, I take the opportunity to express my esteem and consideration. FRYS FRYSENBORG.

To MR. FORD,

Her Britannic Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires.

Rules for the guidance of merchants and ship-masters in time of hostilities between maritime

powers.

We, Christian VII, by grace of God, King of Denmark and Norway, the Goths and Vandals, Duke of Sleswig Holstein, Stormarn, Ditmarch, and Oldenburg:

Make known-Although we, by several previous resolutions, fixed the rules according to which our traders and seafaring subjects should be guided when war broke out between foreign maritime powers, we have, nevertheless, found it necessary under the present circumstances to make one condensed enactment, imbodying those parts of these former resolutions, that they may hereafter serve as a rule of guidance for these our subjects, and become publicly known; and also so that no Danish subject shall plead ignorance of his duties in these respects, it is our gracious will that the following enactments hereafter shall alone be followed and accurately conformed to by all and every one who wishes to share in the advantages which our neutral flag in time of war will give to their lawful trading and maritime speculations; and to this end we hereby annul and declare void all our former enactments. We order and command as follows:

ARTICLE I. Those our trading and seafaring subjects who wish to send any of their ships to sea to any foreign places to which the effects of the war have or may reach, shall be bound (always in conformity with the rules and regulations laid down in the following law) to acquire a royal Latin sea-pass or permit, as well as the other ship's documents and papers exacted by law. To this end, on the breaking out of hostilities between foreign powers, it will be necessary to decide and make known for what places it is considered necessary that ships should be provided with our Latin sea

pass.

ART. II. The pass cannot be obtained before the owner of the ship for which it is required has provided himself with the necessary ship's certificate in proof of his lawful right of ownership.

ART. III. No man can obtain a ship's certificate who is not our subject either by birth in our kingdoms and countries, or who before the breaking out of hostilities between any of the maritime powers of Europe was in full possession of the rights of citizenship, either in our or other neutral states. In all cases the owner of a ship for which a certificate is demanded shall be domiciled in some place in our kingdoms and countries.

ART. IV. He who, according to the foregoing articles, is entitled to obtain or claim a ship's certificate, shall, in order to receive the same, present himself to the magistrate or authorities of the city or place to which the ship belongs, or where the principal number of its owners are domiciled, where either they, or at least the chief owner, has, in person or by means of a written and signed oath, declared that the ship belongs to him, or to one or more of our subjects, and that the ship for which the certificate is demanded has no contraband of war on board destined for the use of the belligerent powers or their subjects.

ART. V. No one, on the breaking out of hostilities, shall be permitted to command a ship provided with our royal sea-pass who may have been born in any of the countries of the belligerent powers, unless he, before the breaking out of hostilities, shall have acquired rights of citizenship in our kingdoms and countries.

ART. VI. Every ship master who will command a ship furnished with our royal Latin sea-pass must have acquired citizenship at some place in our kingdoms and countries. He is bound constantly to have his letter of citizenship with him on board. As a security that he undertakes nothing that may be in contradiction with the provisions of this our enactment, he shall be bound, before departure from the harbor where he receives the pass, to take an oath that nothing with his will shall be undertaken whereby the pass and certificate given to him shall be misapplied.

Sneh oath made by the master shall accompany the owner's application for the delivery of the permit. But when, on account of the absence of the ship's master, this cannot be accomplished, the owner shall state the fact, and then our consul or commercial agent in the district where the master happens to be shall be answerable that when the master receives the permit he shall take the required oath.

ART. VII. On ships which are to be furnished with the royal Latin sea-pass no superargo, factors, clerks, or other ship's officials who are subjects of the belligerents shall be permitted on board.

ART. VIII. Half the crew, including the mate, shall consist of the subjects of our kingdoms and countries. Should it happen that a crew in a foreign country, through desertion, death, or sickness, become incomplete, so that it is impossible for the master to comply with this enactment, he shall be permitted to engage as many foreigners (especially subjects of neutrals) as may be required to continue the voyage; however, in no case shall the number of subjects of the belligerents who may be on board the ship exceed a third part of the crew.

Every change connected with such alterations in the crew, together with the reasons calling for them, shall be carefully entered by the captain on the ship's articles, which shall be attested each time and signed by our consul or commercial agent, or their deputies resident in the ports the ship may put into, and such indorsement shall serve as a justification for the master in all subsequent contingencies.

ART. IX. Besides the ship's certificate mentioned in article II, the following ship's documents shall always be found on board the ship:

The shipbuilder's certificate, and, inasmuch as he who built the ship may later have sold it to another, then also the bill of sale or title deed shall be present.

The documents, on application for the delivery of the pass, shall be sent by the owner to the proper authorities, accompanied by the certificate, in proof of the ship's lawful right to claim the certificate.

The royal Latin sea-pass, with the accompanying translation.

Measure bill, or certificate of measurement.

Articles of agreement and list of the crew, which must be properly attested by the competent authorities.

Charter-parties and bills of lading of the cargo; and, lastly,

Custom-house clearance from the place where the cargo was taken in.

ART. X. The measure bill shall be delivered by the authorities of our kingdoms and countries properly authorized to measure ships. In case any of our subjects purchase a ship in a foreign port, our consul or commercial agent at the place shall be authorized to have the ship measured, and thereafter deliver to the master of the ship a provisional measure bill, which shall be considered valid until the ship arrives in one of our harbors where the ship can be properly measured and branded, and a permanent measure bill be made out, which shall remain with the ship.

ART. XI. It is forbidden to all and every one, owners as well as shipmasters, to procure for themselves and to have on board duplicate ship's papers, or to carry a foreign flag, as long as they are sailing with papers and documents graciously given by us. ART. XII. Our royal Latin sea-pass is only valid for one journey, i. e., from the time the ship after receiving it quits its home port and until the time it returns to it; unless the ship in the mean time, by lawful sale, has been transferred to another party, in which case the new owner must obtain the necessary passes and documents in his own

name.

ART. XIII. According to ordinary received principles, the subjects of neutral powers cannot be permitted to have goods on board which can be considered as contraband of war when they are destined for the belligerent powers, or their subjects, or already belong to them; so have we, the King, in order to prevent our flag being misused to cover or protect such carrying of contraband articles, and in order that no one in this respect shall excuse himself on the ground of ignorance, hereby and expressly decided what should be classed under the denomination of contraband of wan Hereafter the following articles and goods of all and every one our subject shall be considered as contraband of war: cannons, mortars, all kinds of weapons, pistols, bombs, grenades, cannon balls, and bullet guns, flint stones, fusees and tinder, gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, cutlasses, pikes, swords, fittings, cartouche boxes, saddles, and bridles; however, with the exception of such quantities of these articles as may be requisite for the protection of the ship or of its crew.

Besides, one must in every respect conform to all special stipulations or positive contracts which we, the King, have agreed to with foreign powers in relation to the carrying of prohibited goods and properties in our subjects' ships, in which case the owner on receiving the pass will be furnished with special instructions for his guidance.

ART. XIV. Should a ship bound for a foreign port take in such goods which, if they were destined for any of the harbors or ports of the belligerent powers, would be considered as contraband of war, in addition to the oath which the owner and shipmaster would have to take before the proper magistrate or authority, the persons who load such ships and the master shall also be bound, in conformity with the invoice of the cargo or bills of lading, to draw up, besides the ordinarily required custom clearance, a special declaration which shall contain a classification of the merchandise in question, with their qualities of value, which declaration, signed by the shipper and master, shall be certified by the custom-house authorities at the place where the clearance is given. The declaration thus attested shall, without delay, after the clearance of the ship, be sent by our custom officials to the chief commissioners of customs, and shall serve to control the correct arrival of the specified goods at their specified destination, provided