IMPORTANT SEA EVENTS PREDICTED

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2377, 5 February 1915, Page 5

IMPORTANT SEA EVENTS PREDICTED

GERMAN NAVAL PLANS THE RECENT SUBMARINE COMMERCE RAIDS London) February 3. A report from Copenhagen states that the Kaiser's visit to Wilhelmshaven, In conjunction with tne warning to commercial shipping, is interpreted as a prologue to important sea events. . ■ It is rumoured that Germany will try and engage the British Fleet in southern waters, while another squadron will go full speed north, with the object of covering the landing of troops in England. The newspaper "Sooial Demokraten" says that it is persistently stated that great contingents of troops wer© gathering at Wilhelmshaven at the tims of the Scarborough raid. ' RUMOURED SENSATIONAL GERMAN WAR PLANS. 1 (Rec. February 4, 5 p.m.) . . ' „ , , London, February 3. A report from Copenhagen announces that the Kaiser has held a council of war at Berlin, the deliberations being attended by the whole of the military, staff and a number of admirals and Ministers. It is stated that sensational war plans were considered.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) PRESS OPINIONS ON SUBMARINE COMMERCE RAIDERS "ATTACKS SCARCELY REMOVED, FROM PIRACY." i _ , , London, February 3. The "Aimes" naval correspondent says that the carrying out of a ruthless ! submarine w?r against British merchantmen has failed to inflict a moral shock. The Admiralty will assuredly take steps to counter-attack these raiders. as it did in its attacks on the mercantile raiders on the high seas. The skill arid enterprise of the commander of TJ2I are beyond question. It appears he is anxious to emulate the Emden captain's chivalry, but others have not followed his example.—("Times" .and' Sydney "Sun" Servicos.) London, February 8. Mr. Archibald Hurd, the naval writer for tbe "Daily Telegraph," argues that'commerce destruction by submarines is a confession of weakness. The Kaiser's submarines would not be wasting time sinking small merchant ships if they could sink warships. Other authorities declare that the attacks are scarcely removed from absolute piracy. They are unanimously of opinion that such form of blockado cannot succeed. They do not credit Admiral Tirpitz's declaration that the biggest type of submarine is capable of circumnavigating Great Britain, unless the Germans have found a place to lay up and rest the crows. The "Morning Post" urges that tbe best reply to the German outrages would'be to dcclaro contraband everything that goes into Germany from the seaward. THE OUTRAGE ON THE HOSPITAL SHIP ASTURIAS. (Rec. January 2, 1,30 a.m.) , London, February 4. Dr. MacNamara, Secretary to the Admiralty, stated in the House of Comr mons that the Government-would notify neutrals of the attempt to torpedo tbe hospital steamer Asturias; but the civilised world would not neod any representations to add to its horror at the wanton outrage. The submarine's oonrijng-tower, he added, was showing when she attempted to torpedo the Asturias. German newspapers continue to affirm that British vessels were being sunk. With regard to that, the Admiralty was able to truthfully say that all English vosscls had returned to port.

RUSSIAN SUBMARINE SINKS A DESTROYER, Petrograd, February 3. Official.—A' submarine sank a German torpedo-boat off Moen Island (one of a Danish croup about 30 miles from the Gorman coast, and about thirty miles north-west of Rugen Island, where the cruiser Gazelle was damaged and a gunboat sunk by th© Russians within the past few days). SHOULD MERCHANT SHIPS SAIL IN COMPANY? (Rec. February 4, 5 p.m.) London, February 3. The "Times's"' naval correspondent writes that it is 'proposed that .merchant ships should revert to the ancient practice of a number sailing together for mutual protection. An interesting question of international law is whether this would bo legal without Government authority. A strong fooling exists that vessels should not tamely submit to boarding by German officers from submarines, however courteous tho latter should be.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) AMERICAN FOODSTUFFS FOR GERMANY TO BE CONTRABAND (Rcc. Fehruary 5, 0.5 a.m.) London, February -1 Groat Britain has informed 'Washington that tiho will seize tho steamer 1 w <lhclmina, and consider her cargo of foodutufis contraband.

STERN MEASURES, FOR GERMAN AIR PIRACY

BOMBARDMENT OF UNDEFENDED TOWNS. London, February 3. Petrograd reports that Russia has decided to regard tho bombardment of unfortified towns as an act of piracy. ■ Tho crow of tho l'arsoval airship which dropped bombs on Libau havo boon informod that thoy will bo trcatod and tried as oomraon outlaws in accordance with the Tsar's oxplicit orders. Russia's decision is influenced by tbo fact that documents found on dead German officers in Poland show that tho Knisor has ordered his troops to treat Cossacks as robbers.—("Times" and Sydno.y "Sun" Services.)