OUTRAGES ON NEUTRAL SHIPPING

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3014, 27 February 1917, Page 5

OUTRAGES ON NEUTRAL SHIPPING

GREAT INDIGNATION IN HOLLAND EXTRAORDINARY "EXPLANATIONS" BY ..;■■/■ ' ' ''/ THE. HUNS ■ : ■• : ■ By Telegrapk-Prees^Associatioi^-Copyrisht (R,ee. February 25, 5.5 plm.) The Hague, February 25. Tb.e Dutch Press is extremely angry. The "Tclograaf" states that the torpedoing of the seven vessels is tho Greatest humiliation endured by a neutral during the war. The paper can no longer see- how honour can continue to be-upheld by "protests. '■■■.. The "Handelsblad" says: "This is an. iustance of submarine war prosecuted with absolute contempt for Holland's rights and interests." ■ The "Dutch. Gazette" says: "Germany has clearly determined to pursue her policy. Holland may expect further similar disasters." Tho "Gazette" asks: "What will the Government do?" i All the papers comment on the gravity of tho situation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable :Assn; ■ ■ ;. . ' ' ' , ' ' Amsterdam, February 25. The Dutch Socialist organ "Hetvolk," in reply to the German Socialists' appeals, says: "The German Socialist Press tries to expound to us and other neutrals that the cruel necessity to which the German tactics are bringing us ought, to inspire us to more energetic action to secure peace, but peace inspired by agony and terror does not appear to us precisely -what we understand by a socialist peace. The frightfulness of the submarine warfare has for the time being radically compromised all hopes of peace."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ./ ■' V AN EYE-WITNESS'S STORY. ...'.. , .'..■.. London, February 25. . ' An officer belonging to one of the seven Dutch vessels which were torpedoed,, interviewed at Paddington, said: "Wβ.had picked up about the western approach of the Channel the crew of a Norwegian steamer, when a, submarine appeared. Apparently only one of our ships noticed her, and stopped; the others proceeded. The submarine- then fired an aerkl torpedo, which nearly hit us. Afterwards gunshots woro fired overhead until we *all stopped. The submarine, caaie to each ship, saying that we must take to the boats within five minutes, as he was going to sink us because we were in English waters. We had hardly time to leave tho ships before the submarine commenced its work. All the crews were picked up after several hours by trawlers and landed.! 1 ■. ' Qi ' ' ■ [ A GERMAN "DECOY,DUCK." Amsterdam, February 25. A'Dutch trawler in the North. Sea noticed what was' supposed to be a. German waterplane. On investigation, it proved to be a sham, with a dummy aviator aboard. Presumably this is a. new trick, to attract vessels, aa a German submarine has been , lurking in the vicinity.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AN EXTRAORDINARY " EXPLANATION " „,, ~.■ j ~ . , The Hague, February 25. Ihe German Legation, in an extraordinary explanation of tho torpedoing of tho steamers, says: "The. date of tho safe homecoming of the Dutch vessels was originally fixed for February 5, postponed to February 9, and then to February 11, in view of the situation in Holland. Finally the Dutch shipowners intormed the Legation that their vessels would leave in a. group on February 22 or March 17."—Reuter. The Gorman Legation, in order to prevent wrong impressions, points out that the torpedoed vessels were previously aware that they could only depend on relative safety—namely, the safety dependent on fortunate or incidental circumstances. Ships were lost owing to a combination bf mischance and circumstances over which the Germans had no control.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FEELING OF DUTCH SHIPOWNERS (Rcc. February 26, 5.5 p.m.! : Amsterdam, February 25. Dutch shipowners on Saturday declared that the situation was most critical. They warned Germany that however peaceful Holland may be, she would not tolerate everything. The resumption of tho sailings of twenty vessels for' America this week may be cancelled.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN CONFERENCE WITH NEUTRAL AMBASSADORS. (Ree. February 26, 5.25 p.m.) ■ ■ ■ . ■ Copenhagen, February 2G. Heir von Bothmann Hollweg, the German Imperial Chancellor, and Herr von Zimmerman (Foreign Minister) have conferred ah the Wilhelmstrasse (the German Foreign Office), with itlio neutral Ambassadors.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. A RIDICULOUS SUGGESTION. Copenhagen, February 25. The "Cologne Gazette" declares that Britain is attempting to persuade neutral captains'to carry poisonous food for the purpose of poisoning submarine crews,.which, seize food from torpedoed vessels. The "Gazette" contends that Germany is entitled to use sharper means than submarines against Britain.— Aus.-N..Z. Cable Assn.

LATEST VICTIMS OF THE PIRATES ~ , Londen, February 25. The British steamers Lonchirst (3053 tone) and Beneficent (1963 Lous) have been sunk. The captain and sis of the crew o [ the torpedoed steamer Grenadier were killed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . ; ■(Roe. February 26, fi.2o p.m.) London, February '2b. The British steamer lser (2160 tons) has been sunk. The Bandoeng has now been reported sunk.—Aus.-N.Z. Gable Assn. THE OCEAN BOMB ASSASSINS ! New York, February 25. 'A message froru Tokio states that the British steamers Persius and," "VVjyoestersbire (previously reported as haviug been torpedoed) wcro sunk off CJo>mbo. The details liavo not been revealed. It is believed that they were sunk by an explosion as the Tesult. of a German plot.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. UFOEWEGIAN SHIPS SUNK WITH AMERICANS ON BOABD. Washington, February 25. Consuls have reported the sinking of two more Norwegian vessels, the Skrim and Blenheim, with Americans aboard. The crews were warned and saved. —Reuter. "WAIT AND SEE" POLICY AT WHITE HOUSE MANY SIGNS OF PUBLIC UNEASINESS, '■" Washington, February 25. There are many signs oT uneasiness at President Wilson's inaction. There was a hot debate in the Senate, where the Democrats assailed the Republicans iu an endeavour to forco tho Bill introduced by Senator Fall, authorising tho President ( to use forco to protect American commerce, arm merchantmen, and empower merchantmen to defend themsolves or captureattacking submarines. The debate was postponed. The Administration, without a recommendation, has submitted to Congress the Universal Training Bill of tho Army. General Staff.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' ' THE BELGIAN RELIEF SHIPS. Now York, February 25. Mr. Hoover (the American Commissioner for Belgian Relief) announces that Britain and Germany have agreed that the Belgian relief ships from America to Rotterdam shall pass through a safety lane. Sixteen vessels are now loading in America, and twenty-three others have been chartered.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. February 26, 5.25 p.m.) London, February 25. Tho .sailings of the Belgian Relief Commission's vessels will bo resumed via the northern route, Germany granting safe conduct. Arrangements have not yet been made for releasing the relief ships from British ports. SUBMARINE PLOTTERS' IN SPAIN ■ ■ \ ■ > ' • Madrid, February 25. Harry Wood, the self-styled American, now admits that he is a German. The police anticipate rooting out the whole gang.—Aiis.-N.Z. Cable Assn. fit has previously been stated that a buoy containing thirty-one cases, with spare parts for German submarines, was discovered in the vicinity of Cartagena. Herr Meyer, the German Consul at Cartagena, was arrested in connection with the matter. Another German, named Kaller, was arrested in Madrid; also a third intriguant, a self-styled American, named Harry Wood. The authorities, a message stated, are determined to satisfy public opinion, which demands tho most vigorous suppression of Gorman intrigues. One of some seized cases contained correspondence and instructions to Germans occupying official positions in Spain. A submarine which placed huoys also secretly landed several men, who were instructed to use explosives.] AN ARREST ON- THE FRONTIER. London February 25. The "Daily Chronicle's" correspondent at Paris states that the French authorities arrested on the frontier three- men in company with a Gorman who professed to belong to Mr. Gerard's suite. Mr. Gerard denied all knowledge of them. . All carried forged papers.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN SWEDEN

A RECENT MYSTERIOUS HAPPENING.

(Rec. February 26, 5.5 p.m.)

Stockholm, February 25.

The first Chamber of the Swedish Diet hae carried a military grant of thirty million kroner (roughly, £1,650,000), for the defence of Swedish neutrality. The .Second Chamber voted only ten million. During the debate the Foreign Minister (Rerr Wallenberg;) stated that something had happened during the .past few days which had greatly aggravated JSwedon's position, necessitating a larger vote to safeguard her neutrality. The situation was more grave than oven ajid the future was very dark. The grant will he submitted to a joint sossion. It ie expected that tho Government will disclose tho nature of the threatening danger at a secret sitting.—Aus.-N.Z, Cable Assn.

MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH

PRESS OPINION HEROICALLY RUTHLESS MEASURES London, February 25. The general opinion of the Press, as expressed in the editorial columns, is that Mr. Lloyd George has taken time bv the forelock, and that his measures are heroically ruthless. Tho "Daily Chronicle" says: "Mr. Lloyd George's speech is a wise, bold, and statesmanlike appeal." The "Morning Post": "Tho speech is one of the most momentous of the war period. "" So long as the Government shows candour and determination the country will solidly support it." The "Daily Telegraph": "Tho speech is a full and frank acceptance of the war situation. The nation is now out to win. The financial miracles of the war loan showed universal readiness for the utmost effort by the nation. Tho answer to Mr. Lloyd George's scheme will be 11 unanimous 'carry on.' "—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. 'The Times" congratulates Mr. Lloyd George on his frankness and courage m confiding in the na.tmrt. and hopes the Government will ricidly adhere to the restrictions.—The' "Times." THE MOST VITAL OF OUR INDUSTRIES AGEJCULTUTUE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED London, February 25. Mr. 'Arthur Lee, Director-General of Food Production, in an interview, saw that agriculture was the _ino*t # vital and important of our national industries. It was now first officially recognised as such, and once the nation wit its hand to tho plough it never can turn back.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ESTIMATED SAVING- OF FIVE MILLION TONS. London, February 25. Mr. Lloyd George's restrictions on imports avo estimated to savo five million tons a year, equal to tho services of 125 more' vessels of 5000 tons each, making eight voyages a year.—Aus.N.Z. G'ablo Assn. EON ON GROOEBS' SHOPS. Londoni February 25. The grocers' shops in Liverpool avo besieged by people anxious to purchase immense quantities of goods mentioned in the prohibited and restricted imports order. The grocers refuse to sell, except to meet bona. fide needs.—Aus,N.Z. Cable Assn.

NEW SCALE OF RATIONS (Rec. February 26, 11.35 p.m.) London, February 26. . Lord Devonport (the Food Controller) approves the new scale of rations for the German war prisoners and interned Germans, and reducing the allowance of the proportions enjoined on the British public.—Reuter. ' HOW AMERICA WILL BE AFFECTED. New Yprlii February 25. It is officially estimated that the new British import restrictions will cost the United States twenty million sterling this year and make idle hundreds of workers.—Reuter.' LIQUOR TRADE EXPECTS COMPENSATION. London, February 25. The "Daily Chronicle" says that as many breweries and publichouses will be compelled to close, the Liquor Trade considers it ought to bo compen-sated.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FOOD RIOTS IN NEW YORK GERMAN PROPAGANDISTS AT WORK. New York, February 25. A. thousand food rioters stormed tho Waldorf Astoria, Hotel. Fifty people were trampled on and injured. German propagandists are flooding the mails with bitter attacks on tho American Government, and also denouncing the Entente. Similar letters have been sent to Congressmen. Tho authorities are endeavouring to traco their author-ship.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. THE EMPIRE'S WOOL GREAT SHORTAGE PREDICTED. London. February 25. At the London School of Economics, Mr. , Hitchcock, of the Raw Materials Branch of the War Office, read a paper on tho importance of the Imperial wool trade. He said that since 1914 Hie War Office had contracted for woollen goods to a value exceeding a hundred million sterling, besides purchasing colonial clips. Ho predicted a position of great shortage. Wool was in great demand > at high prices, and tho world's supplies of textiles were being cleared, therefore it was necessary to resorvc all the Empire's raw materials. Mr. Massey, who presided, said that the arrangements between tho Imperial and Now Zealand Governments were much bettor than allowing tho wool to' find its way into the hands of speculaHe endorsed Mr. Hitchcock's opinion that prices would be maintained after the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable" Assn.