CONTRABAND OF WAR

goods the importation of which is interdicted to a belligerent either by international Jaw or by special proclamation of the other belligerent. What is contraband depends to some extent on circumstances, but always includes arms, ammunition, and munitions generally. Formerly articles were divided into the latter being held to include foodstuffs. The ‘doctrine of contraband by destination’ deals with articles of ambiguous purpose. During the World War the old rules were in abeyance, and Britain prohibited the importation of food, coal, and raw material into Germany and into neutral countries that might supply her, in the latter case fm exce of normal consumption. See Buiockapp; also DecLuaRaTiIon or LonDON.