mit
that the question, "whether it is now too late to attempt" the reform
which appears to me to be desirable is one "which can be answered only
by the diplomatists."

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
T. E. HOLLAND.
Oxford, January 5 (1920).

* * * * *

SECTION 2

_Pacific Reprisals_

The four letters next following were suggested by the ambiguous
character of the blockades instituted by France against Siam in
1893, by the Great Powers against Crete in 1897, and by Great
Britain, Germany, and Italy, against Venezuela in 1902. The
object, in each case, was to explain the true nature of the
species of reprisals known as "Pacific Blockade," and to point
out the difference between the consequences of such a measure
and those which result from a "Belligerent Blockade." A fifth
letter, written with reference to the action of the Netherlands
against Venezuela in 1908, emphasises the desirability of more
clearly distinguishing between war and reprisals. On the
various applications of a blockade in time of peace, see the
author's _Studies in International Law_, pp. 130-150.

THE BLOCKADE OF THE MENAM

Sir,--Upon many questions of fact and of policy involved in the quarrel
between France and Siam it may be premature as yet to expect explicit
information from the French Government; but there should not be a
moment's doubt as to the meaning of the blockade which has probably by
this time been established.

Is France at war with Siam? This may well be the case, according to
modern practice, without any formal declaration of war; and it is, for
international purposes, immaterial whether the French Cabinet, if it has
commenced a war without the sanction of the Chambers, has or has not
thereby violated the French Constitution. If there is a war, and if the
blockade, being effective, has been duly notified to the neutral Powers,
the vessels of those Powers are, of course, liable to be visited, and,
if found to be engaged in breach of the blockade, to be dealt with by
the French Prize Courts.

Or is France still at peace with Siam, and merely putting upon her that
form of pressure which is known as "pacific blockade"?

In this case, since there is no belligerency there is no neutrality, and
the ships of States other than that to which the pressure is being
applied are not liable to be interfered with. The particular mode of
applying pres