The Pan-American neutrality zone changes the South Atlantic

The Pan-American neutrality zone changes the political rules of commerce warfare in the South Atlantic. The American republics claim a special interest in keeping hostile acts by non-American belligerents away from waters adjacent to the continent. Their declaration defines those waters as an area of primary concern and direct utility while the republics remain neutral. It covers hostile acts attempted or committed from land, sea, or air, including attacks on merchant shipping. An attack inside the zone could provoke the American republics collectively rather than only the state whose ship was hit. The zone makes a very large part of the Atlantic politically dangerous operating space for commerce raiders.