"NEUTRALS CANNOT BE INTIMIDATED"

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2380, 9 February 1915, Page 5

"NEUTRALS CANNOT BE INTIMIDATED"

.GERMAN BLOCKADE THREAT STORM OF OFFICIAL PROTESTS BREWING London. February 7. Swedish and Dutch newspapers are very outspoken in protesting against Germany's menace of neutral commerce. The "Dagens Nyheter" (Stockholm) says: "If Germany torpedoed a few neutral vessels she would soon discover that the neutral world would not stand such a thing. If the declaration portends_ real action she is grossly blundering. In any case, neutrals cannot bo intimidated or overawed by throats." . Danish and Dutch skippers announce that they are continuing trado as usual, relying on Britain's measures to fully protect neutrals. . . Copenhagen, February-7. The American Ambassador at Berlin has informally announced anj impending official protest. _ The Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian Governments are also making representations. London, February 7. It is renorted that seven German submarines nave arrived at Zeebrugae with the object of attacking British transports.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) GERMAN SEIZURE OF GRAIN SUPPLIES. Amsterdam, February 7. Germany has announced tliat the Government seizure of grain supplies is not for the State or Army, but solely to ensuro proper distribution among civilians. AMERICA'S PLAIN DUTY STRESSED. London, February 8. The New York "Sun" says:—"Whiln it is of tile greatest importance that .America should hold aloof from the war. it will be her duty to notify Germany that any attempt to interfere with American commerce in any zone will be reseated with all our resources."

A WEAK AND FOOLISH PLAGIARISM OF NAPOLEON. (Bee. February 8, 6.15 p.m.) London, February 7. The chairman of an important shipping company declares that the German threat of a blockade is idle, and can never be carried out, and none know it better than the Germans, who have been fruitlessly trying to establish one for five months. Sir Gibson Bowles (ex-member of the House of Commons, and author of "Maritime Warfare," "Sea Law and Sen Poiver") says that the Kaiser has made an extremely weak and foolish plagiarism of Napoleon's Berlin and Milan decrees of a hundred years ago. The New York papers describe the blockade warning as a. crime of the high seas, furnishing now evidence of the desperation of the Germans, who are playing with fire. The "Times" Washington correspondent says that there is not the slightest sign that the German bluff will succeed. Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, announce that no sailings have been cancelled anywhere. Confidence is expressed in the British Flee' It is felt that Germany has bluudered, and by a few strokes of the pen obliterated the impression which propagandists have been diligently raising- on behalf of Germany, and created an unexpected and favourable atmosphere for the settlement of Anglo-American trade difficulties. —("Times and Sydney "Sun" Services.") STATEMENT BY BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE , USE OF NEUTRAL FLAGS FOR ESCAPING CAPTURE. (Rec. February 8, 7.40 p.m.) . . London! February 8. . The, British Foreign Office has issued a statement declaring that, with certain limitations, the. use of a neutral flag as a "ruse de guerre" has been well established in practice. Great Britain lias always considered that the use of the British colours b'v foreign vessels was legitimate for the purpose of escaping capture, though a vessel using it otherwise was liable to forfeiture. _ It is also, continues the statement, obligatory upo.i a belligerent to ascertain the character of a merchant vessel and its cargo before capture. "Germany has no right to disregard snch obligation, and therefore her intention to destroythe shin of a non-combatant is pure piracy." The Cunard liner Lusitania, when nearing Ireland, hoisted the American flag in pursuance of the Admiralty's instructions by wireless, and arrived at Liverpool safely. GERMAN THREAT TO NEUTRALS: BE'GOOD,-OBr-» (Rec. February 9, 0.5 a.m.) Copenhagen, February 8. German newspapers are astounded at neutrals condemning the ; blockade. A telegram from Berlin states that the Government will disregard friendly or unfriendly protests, adding that the treatment of neutral vessels in future'will depend on the attitnde of their respective Governments. m , rt „ Amsterdam, February 8. Ihe Gorman Government declares its readmess to entrust the management of food importations to an American organisation. AMERICA'S SHIP-BUYING PROPOSAL FATE OF THE BILL HANGS IN THE BALANCE. Washington, February 7. I _ rile Ship Bill is still hanging on a razor's edge. The prospects of its failure are awakening general satisfaction.—("Times'' and Sydney "Sun" Services.)