THE EMDEN'S END

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2307, 14 November 1914, Page 7

THE EMDEN'S END

EVENTS ON COCOS ISLANDS

SYDNEY BIT TWICE

'(Hec. November 14, 1.35 a.m.)

London, November 13. The "Daily Chroniclers" Cocos Islands correspondent states the telegraph staff was advised from Singapore that the German, cruiser Eiiidcn had been dispatched to the islands. In consequence the beach was regularly patrolled. A four-funnelled' cruiser came at full speed into the entrance of the lagoon at 6 o'clock on Monday morning. Her flag was not flying and the fourth funnel was of paintea canvas. The cruiser lowered an armoured launch and two boats with three officers and forty men and forty (sic) Maxims. The operators continued to send messages until the Germans' rushed into the cable station and placed the operatore under an armed guard while they smashed the instruments. There was no brutality or pillaging. Meanwhile the crew in the launch grappled for the cables, and endeavoured to cut them, but failed. .. At 9 o'clock the Emden sounded her siren, 'and the landing party dashed to the boats, but the Emden got under way immediately as the Sydney appeared on the horizon. After firing a shot at the Sydney at 3700 yards the limdeii steamed north. For a time the Emden's firing was excellent, and that of the Sydney erratic, owing to tlie range-finder being put out of action by one of the only two German shots which got home. The British gunners soon overoame the difficulty and shot .away two of tEe Emden's funnels. Thus blazing away, both the cruisers disappeared, the Emden being afire aft. CABLE STAFF'S EXPERIENCE LANDING PARTY SAILS OFF. Melbourne, November 13. . The Eastern Extension Cable Company reports tbat communication with Cooos Island has been fully restored. . The manager, in an interview," said the staff of the island were aware that they were under the protection of the British Admiralty, though warships were seldom seen. As soon as the Emden was seen approaching the "5.0.5." (distress) signal was sent out, also a rush-cable to the Naval Office in Melbourne, which imist have acted very promptly after the warning. A remarkable feature was that the Emden, which must have heard the distress signals, did not shell the wireless mast.

As soon as the landing party stepped ashore they commenced to put the cable out of action, but as the result of long experience the Eastern Company's officers were able to baffle the raiders to some extent. Special precautions had been taken in this case.

When the Sydney hove in-sight the party took to the boats, in order to rejoin the Emden, but the captain apparently decided- that it would be too risky to wait -to pick up the boats, which then, put back and watched the fight from the land. • The landing party remained ashore till night, when they seized the forty-ton schooner Ayesha, and sailed away. Though they made Biire of a substantial food supply, this is not likely to embarrass the cable staff.

Therg is no further • news of tho Ayesha. RELIEF IN :NDIA'. Colombo, November 12. There are constant references in the newspapers to public speeches in India regarding: the importance of tho Australian Fleet's services to trade security. There is .profound relief that the Emden has been destroyed. ITALIAN COMMENT. Rome, November 12. . Many newspapers refer with admiration to the destruction of tho Emden and the. chivalrous treatment of the captives. The "Giornale d'ltalia" says: "The victory shows the enormous resources of the British Empire, and emphasises the part Australia is playing." FRENCH APPRECIATION. Paris, November 12. The newspaper "Le Temps" says:— "We hasten to salute the first victory of the young Australian Navy, which compensates to some extent for Admiral Cradock's defeat." WHAT THE GERMAN PAPERS SAY. Amsterdam, November 12. The German Press ■ admits that the loss- of the Emden .is painful ( since British trade in Indian waters is again 'secure. The loss has caused deep depression following the proud days after the Chilian engagement. Germany regards Captain Muller, of the Emdon, as the greatest hero of the war, and proudly recalls- the fact thatthe .British always praised Muller's bravery and chivalry. AUSTRALIAN NAVY TO THE. FORE. London, November 12. 1 British newspapers continue to give prominence to the Sydney's exploit, and publish Mr. Massey's Pukekohe speech. AUSTRALIAN CELEBRATION, Sydney, November 13. The Millions Club has started a movement to celebrate the Sydney's victory b,v the holding of a week's festival, which will include the proiuction of an Australian drama interlarded bv patriotic speeches and other items likely to arouse enthusiasm. Tlie- proceeds will be devoted to relieving tho Sydney's injured men and the making of presentations to her officers and crew. TROPHIES FOR THE CAPITAL, i (Rec. November 13, 8.25 p.m.) Melbourne, November 13. Senator Pcarcc, Minister of Defence, is endeavouring to'obtain the Emden's guus and anchor for the Federal capital. Tho Rt. Hon. A. Fisher, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth, has sent tho following reply to Mr. Masscy's messago of congratulation"Prime Minister, Wellington,—Read your warmhearted message congratulating Australia on tho Sydney's success to Parliament, and it was received with cheers."