NET DRAWN TIGHT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2725, 21 March 1916, Page 5

NET DRAWN TIGHT

LESSON OF THE MOEWE'S ESCAPE WARNING TO NEUTRALS NEW SEA EDICT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Copenhagen, March 19. Owing to tho Moewe, which eluded tho British, raided shipping, and got safely back to Kiel, the British blockade has been tightened. It is now impossible for enemy ships to pass, even disguised as neutrals. Britain has notified the Scandinavian Governments of new arrangements under which neutrals failing to stop when signalled may be fired on. THE OUTRAGES"ON DUTCH SHIPPING "DOES GERMANY WANT A FIGHT?" / Amsterdam, March 19. The "Nieuive Eotterdamsche Cour'ant" protests against the innuendo that British submarines might have sunk the steamer. Tubantia. There is not _an atom of reason to suppose such a thing, especially as British submarines have not sunk a single neutral since the outbreak of the war. "Since the German Navy seeks a conflict with Holland, Gormany should say so. The German Government is usmg_ the surest means of injuring our national feelings." . Other are almost equally outspoken.

CALOULATED PIRACY? London, March, 19. The "Daily Chronicle's" naval expert, commenting on_ the torpedoing of a sepontl Dutch liner in two days, discusses the questions whether there was - any calculation in this apparently demented act, and whether Admiral von Tirpitz took fright at the prospect of such enormities. He adds: "Holland has conferred during the war many advantages 011 the Germans. Must wo now conjecture that her enmity is worth-more than her friendship ? s Are the Germans looking forward to the forcible occupation of Dutch territory, hoping to seize Rotterdam as a centre for operations against their most hated enemy? The British Fleet made Ostend and other points on the Belgian coast impossible as a base for enemy submarines. The Germans expected much from the possession of supposed strategic advantage points in their \Vork of naval attrition. Now that those hopes have been so effectively dispelled, Rotterdam would _ prove a, most excellent substitute, since it is connected with the Rhine, and also affords a safe shelter. Or are tliev hopr ing to possess the mouth of the Rhine? Did they imagine that the Dutch would ultimately join us, and are the latest outrages their method of stealing a march on us ?" GERMAN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. (Rec. March 20, 9.25 p.m.) London, March 19. A German official statement says that thero wero no German mines where the Tubaiitia was lost, nor could a German submarine have been there, the locality being within the' area, which was cle-< scribed in a t declaration of February 4, 1915, as being not dangerous to navigation. N

BRITISH ADMIRALTY'S STATE- '• MENT. . > (Rec. March 20, 9.25 p.m.)

London, March 19.

The - Secretary _to the Admiralty states that no British submarines were in the vicinfty at the time of the disaster.

THE SUBMARINE WAR. SHOOT-ON-SIGHT DEBATE IN REICHSTAG Amsterdam, March 19. The National Liberals in the Reichstag submitted a resolution recommending, in order to cripple Great Britain's merchant tonnage, unrestricted submarine warfare, except against vessels solely employed in passenger traffic.

The Centre Party recommends Germany to negotiate with foragn countries to preserve freedom regarding tlia' use of submarines.

The Conservatives submitted to the Imperial Chancellor (Herr BethmannHollweg), the following declaration:-r----"In view of England's attempt to starve our people by .her blockade, and extend the war to tho entire population by a reckless use of all military resources, it is necessary to hit her in connection with her subsistence and. national strength. The Imperial Government's recently published decision regarding submarine _ warfare can only be put to full use if a practical and effective realisation is assured corresponding to , the peculiarity of the weapon. We now, as heretofore, need for a victorious conduct of the war united and confident co-operation, and it is the people's unanimous will to maintain it,"

LEVIATHAN U BOATS

THREE BIG GERMAN SUBMAR-

INES. (Rec. March 20, 10.25, p.m.)

Amsterdam, March 20. It is reported that three of the largest submarines, each carrying 120 men, were completed at Antwerp Inst week, and are now preparing for immediate service on the Belgian coast. German reports claim that nineteen enemy (Allies) ships were sunk between March 1 and 18, representing a tonnage loss of forty thousand.

HUNS'"OLD MAN OF THE SEA" THE PASSING OF VON TIKPITZ. London, March 19. Among the current reports concerning Admiral von Tirpitz's resignation, tho "Daily Mail" states that he had a serious quarrel with Ilerr Ballin, the well-known shipowner, who opposed submarine tactics on merchantmen, Rnd warned von Tirpitz that r.eutrals would seize German shipping.

VALEDICTORY FAVOURS'

Amsterdam, March 19. The Kaiser has sent an autograph letter to _ Admiral Tirpitz, keenly regretting his resignation, and paying a tribute to the great work he has accomplished. The ICaiser lias bestowed upon Von Tirpita the' Grand Commander's Star and Swords of the Order of Hohenzollern.

A TRAGEDY IN THE BALTIC SURVIVORS OF "A RUSSIAN VICTIM. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Copenhagen, March 19. Eight of the crew of the Russian steamer Novojasalboda have landed. The captain, his wife, and children, and ten of the crew, wore killed. There art p.q further, details. .