THE MURDER OF FRYATT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2840, 3 August 1916, Page 5

THE MURDER OF FRYATT

CRIME AW PUNISHMENT AMERICAN OPINION REPRISALS AT PRESENT UNWISE Australian-Xcw Zealand Cable Association. New York, August 1. Opinions of representative Americans differ as to the character of the punishment England should inflict on the Germans for the murder of Captain Fryatt. Some consider that the punishment will bo automatic, in tho form of abhorrence expressed in the world's opinion. Others hope the Kaiser will be sent to St. Helena for personal expiation. Mr. Frederic Coudert, «,' leading international lawyer, interviewed, said that punishment must be meted out after the war. "I consider it would be exceedingly unwise to attempt, reprisals. Wo recognise that the Allies are fighting on behalf of international justice. Therefore nothing would be gained by a policy of counter-frigatfulness for this further instance of scientific barbarism." Mr. George Putnam, 'President of tho American Bights Committee, said: "Britain must keep for later settlement the damnable record of the Prussian crimes against civilisation. Germany must expiate them before she is admitted to the world's federation of nations. Britain might demand, after the war, the deportation of the Kaiser, who is too insane for responsibility." Mr. George Wickersliam, cx-Attorney-Goneral, said: "The world's execration will punish Germany." A GERMAN OFFICIAL STATEMENT. Amsterdam, August 1. A German official message says: "It is quite intelligible that the British Government should seek to excuse Captain Fryatt, because it is responsible for tho instructions issued to shipmasters." (Rec. August 2, 7.30 p.m.) / London, August 1. A German official communique, seeking to justify the execution, of Captain Fryatt, describes Fryatt as "a hired V assassin, who was attempting to earn tho reward the British Government had offered for the sinking of a submarine." The British newspapers comment: "Tho Germans did not execute tho captain of tho Clan MaeTavisli, though he attempted to sink tho Moewe. It is evident that they had a special spite against Captain Fryatt." , GERMANY'S TACTICAL BLUNDER. (Rec. August 2, 11.10 p.m.) Geneva, August 2. Tho Berlin correspondent of tho Basle "Zeituug" states that tho opinion is growing in political circles that Fryatfs execution was a tactical blunder, causing a reversion of sympathy for England of thoso. neutrals who havo been exasperated by tho blockadn.