Contraband of War
articles carried by neutrals in vessels or otherwise for the assistance of an enemy in waging war. The term embraces arms, ammunition, materials for manufacturing gunpowder, armed vessels, coal for warships, provisions and money intended for the military forces, and all supplies of warlike stores or any articles required for the prosecution of the war.
Articles which are not ordinarily contraband are also liable to confiscation if they belong to the owner of the contraband and are mingled with the same in the same vehicle of conveyance or in the same packages. Where a blockade of a port is declared and successfully maintained, all articles of value become practically contraband in that they are liable to seizure and confiscation if the attempt is made to carry them into the blockaded port. According to international law, these are liable to seizure and to confiscation by order of a prize court. No recompense is made to the neutral except in the case of provisions. During the World War all the maritime powers declared contraband or conditionally contraband provisions and goods too numerous to mention. The sinking of the "W. B. Frye," laden with grain for London, called forth a protest from the United States Government, and Germany promised compensation.
When Germany declared a submarine warfare on commerce, all previous laws relating to contraband were disregarded.