Franklin and the Rule of Free Ships, Free Goods.

The article discusses how U.S. statesmen Benjamin Franklin promoted the concept of free maritime commerce between nations. The author notes how the capture and sinking of the ship "William P. Frye" by German naval forces violated a treaty between the U.S. and Prussia that Franklin had cosigned. Franklin had been appointed by the U.S. Continental Congress to a committee focusing on foreign relations and promoted a treaty with France containing provisions regarding commercial shipping and the confiscation of goods belonging to enemy nations. Franklin's views on privateering are noted. The adoption of free maritime trade rules by Russia and a treaty between the U.S. and Sweden regarding free trade are noted.