Free Ships

Neutral ships. "Free ships make free goods" is a phrase often used in treaties to denote that the goods on board neutral ships shall be free from confiscation, even though belonging to an enemy. Wheat. Int. Law, 507 et seq.; 1 Kent, Comm. 126. See 3 Phillim. Int. Law (3d Ed.) 238 et seq., for a full discussion of the subject.

Neutral ships. “Free ships make free goods" Is a phrase often used in treaties to denote that the goods on board neutral ships shall be free from confiscation even though belonging to an enemy; Wheat. Int L. 507; 1 Kent 126. “It was first recognized by Holland In the seventeenth century as against the prevailing rule of the ‘Consolato del Mare’ (see Code), by which the ownership of property determined its liability to capture.” The doctrine was recognized, except as to goods contraband of war, in tlm Declaration of Paris (1856), q. v. This declaration, while a great step In favor of neutrals, does not free neutral commerce from the belligerent right of search for the purpose of ascertaining the true character of a ship sailing under a neutral flag, and for contraband goods. While the United States was not a party to the Declaration of Paris, yet during the civil war, its second and third articles, relating to this subject, were adhered to by both parties, as also during the war with Spain in. 1898. See Flag; Neuteality; Declabation of Pabis.

In international law. Ships of a neutral nation. The phrase "free ships shall make free goods" is often inserted in treaties, meaning that goods, even though belonging to an. enemy, shall not be seized or confiscated, if found in neutral ships. Wheat. Int. Law,' 507, et seq.

Defined under Free in Black's Law Dictionary.

In international law. Ships of a neutral nation, ‘Fhe phrase “free ships shall make free goods” is often inserted in treaties, meaning that goods, even though belonging to an enemy, shall not be seized or confiscated, if foundin neutralships. Wheat. Tnt. Law, 507, et seq.

In international law. Neutral vessels, sometimes so called. It is sometimes stipulated in treaties that free ships shall make free goods; that is, that enemy's property on board of neutral ships shall be protected from seizure and confiscation. 1 Kenfs Com, 126 — 128, and note.