SEIZURE OF SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2707, 29 February 1916, Page 6

SEIZURE OF SHIPS

PORTUGAL JUSTIFIES HER ACTION

\- By Telegraph—Press Association-- Copyright . London, February 27. ,■ 1 - Tlie Portuguese Premier, in the Cham- ; !)er of Deputies, justified the using 'of ! German steamers oil the ground of .economic necessity. He ,added that an ; infernal macliiue had been found in the boilers of the Norddeutscher steamer ; Bulqw which would l have blown up the • ship the moment it left its moorincs. An explosion was averted, but the .machinery was ruined. Senator ■ Oosta •: iirged the denunciation of the. GermanPortuguese Treaty,' addinjr. "We are ready'for all eventualities. 1.':..'.. [A message' published 1 last, week j stated: The' Portuguese Government j suddenly seized'thirty-six Austrian and i' German ships, inoiuding several of over ! 8000 : tons, that have,, been lying in the .River Tagus since'the beginning of the ; war. The Portuguese flag . has been !• hoisted on them, and the crews have : - : been landed.-- The Minister of Foreign ; Affairs eixplained that this action was duo to the Government's apprehension that the ships might endeavour to escape, while vessels are also required for ; • transport purposes.] , i MORE VESSELS SEIZED. ! - ' (Rec. February 28,'8.30 p.m.) London, February 27. > Portuguese have seized all the-Ger-ttan Vessels at the Azores.