ON THE SEAS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16165, 20 March 1918, Page 7

ON THE SEAS.

MERCHANT SHIPPING CONTROL. (By Cable. —Press Association.— Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) LONDON, March IS. The "Daily Chronicle" states that Lord Pirrie has accepted tho post of Controller of Merchant Shipbuilding. Nominallv he will be under Sir Eric' Geddes, First Lord of tho Admiralty, but he will have wide powers of initiative. Lord Pirrie is chairman of Harland and Wolff, the big shipbuilding firm. SEIZURE OF DUTCH SHIRS. LONDON, March 18. The "Daily Express" says that tho Allies to-dav temporarily take over a million tons of Dutch shipping in Allied ports, which -will bo utilised for carrying food. It is stated that Holland has accepted tho Anglo-American proposals regarding the conditions under which the ships aro requisitioned. Germany will be conducting a campaign of terrorism and sabre rattling, and has threatened to cut off supplies of coal, iron, and steel in the event of Holland agreeing. AMSTERDAM, March 18. The "Frankfurter Zeitung" says that if Holland agrees to the Allies' seizure of her shipping there will bo no further reason for Germany to maintain a free zone in the North Sea. (Received March 19th, 20.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 18. It is believed that Government agents will seize Dutch ships on Monday. It is understood that no further information has been roceived regarding Holland's attitude. The American Navy will supply crews for several Dutch ships. (Roceived March 20th, 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, March IS. The Dutch Foreign Minister announces that as Germany is unable to deliver the necessary wheat to Holland, she is obliged to accept the British and American offer, coupled with their demand for ships. GERMANY WARNS NEUTRALS. (Australian and N.Z. Cabin Association.) , (Received March. 20tli, 12.25 a.m.) COPENHAGEN, March 18. > A Berlin official report states thai • owing to the action of n/British warship J in the German Bight, the Government notifies neutrals that it is compelled to take measures .making the. zone very dangerous. The Government warns neutral vessels sailing in t£e Bight to comply with naval instructions.