EMDEN FOR AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16423, 17 January 1919, Page 8

EMDEN FOR AUSTRALIA.

A PRIZE OF WAR. The British Government is to bo asked by the Commonwealth to send to Australia on a visit a fleet of British, Allied, and captured men-of-war, to take part in the forthcoming peace celobrations. If a vote were taken as to which vessel of the surrendered German Navy the people of Australia desire particularly to see in Australian waters (says the Melbourne "Age")> there would be undoubtedly a big majority in favour of the new cruiser Emden, built by the Germans to replace the light cruiser Emden which was smashed and beaten by the Australian cruiser Sydney off the Cocos Islands on November 10th, 1914. i The original Emden, before falling a victim to the Sydney, had preyed like a shark upon defenceless merchantmen voyaging upon the high seas: The raidor had captured and sunk no fewer than 21 vessels flying the flags of the Allied nations. In ridding the seas of this dangerous pest, the Sydney accomplished an achievement of incalculable value. ... There has been on exhibition in the Queen's Hall at Federal Parliament House for many months a portion of the hull of the original Emden, which was salvaged from the wreck of the vessel and brought to Australia as the first tropliy of the war. Now the opportunity. has arisen for pressing a request that the cruiser which the Germans launched to replace the raider that had caused so much damage, should also be brought out to Australia as a trophy of war. . Indeed, the suggestion has been made that tho Admiralty might, as ti compliment to the Australian nation, hand over the vessel for the use of our navy. The adoption of sucli a suggestion would certainly be most gratifying to tho people of Australia. . There is little" doubt that the Imperial Government would readily undertake to consider a request to allow the German cruiser Emden, which #is now lying in British waters with other units of the surrendered German •fleet, to proceed to Australia. And it would be a fitting sequel to the memorable engagement that took place off Cocos Island just over four years ago were the Sydney to be permitted to escort the second Emden to these waters. In asking the British Government to send a fleet to Australia, the Federal authorities should suggest that tho Emden be includod. The original Emden was. a. vessel of 3540 tons, and her complement numbered 316. Her armament comprised ten 4-incli guns and two torpedo tubes. The cruiser Emden, which surrendered to the British Fleet a few weeks ago, is a vessel of 5300 tons, and carries two 5.9 in Runs, in addition to ten 4.lin guns. Her total ship's complement is 450 offioers and men.