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London (DECLARATION OF a code of rules)

DECLARATION OF, a code of rules governing naval war practices adopted by the International Naval Conference in London, promulgated Feb. 26, 1909. The principal naval and maritime powers attempted in this declaration to define rules and principles to govern naval practices in wartime which should be obligatory on national prize courts and upon the International Prize Court to be established; to define the rights and obligations of neutral traders and the relation of belligerents in warlike operations at sea. The powers united in stating that the rules agreed upon corresponded with the recognized principles of international law. The document marked an advance on rules previously in force, and displayed a more careful regard for neutral rights. The Declaration did not receive unanimous consent of the powers and failed to be put into effect. The House of Commons ratified it, but it was rejected by the Lords. In the World War, Great Britain at first announced adherence to the Declaration, LONDON and afterward reverted to the old principles, which were vigorously interpreted, causing friction with the United States and other neutrals.