The neutral merchant in relation to the law of contraband of war and blockade under the order in Council of 11th March, 1915

The recording opens with a clear‑eyed look at a heated wartime dispute that erupted in 1915, when Britain’s response to the German U‑boat threat extended far beyond traditional lists of contraband. Sir Francis Piggott, a former chief justice of Hong Kong, lays out the legal backdrop that saw neutral traders caught between a blockade and the demands of a nation at war. He explains how the Order in Council of 11 March attempted to strangle enemy commerce while sparking fierce objections from the United States.

Listeners are guided through the core arguments: whether a belligerent may impose reprisals that affect neutral shipping, how international law balances humanitarian concerns with military necessity, and why the U.S. viewed Britain’s measures as overreach. Piggott draws on contemporaneous articles to illustrate the diplomatic back‑and‑forth, highlighting the tension between commercial interests and the principle of neutrality. The analysis remains rooted in the legal doctrines of the time, offering a window into the mindset of policymakers on both sides.