THE SHIPPING PROBLEM

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 153, 18 March 1918, Page 5

THE SHIPPING PROBLEM

FATE OF THE WAR MAY REST WITH THE BUILDERS SIR ERIC GEDDES TO STATE THE TONNAGE LOSSES London, March 15. In the House of Commons, replying to the debate on the question of mercantile shipbuilding, Mr. Bonar Law said that the essence of the matter was that the men actually making the ships must realise' that the fate of the war may resb with them. Tho Allies were being consulted, and it )vas hoped that Sir Eric Geddes on Wednesday would be able to state tho actual tonnage losses. The figures would astonish everyone, hut personally he thought that nothing but good could come from the disclosure. Shipbuilding was not being retarded for lack of men, who are being brought from France whore necessary. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DUTCH SHIPS~TO~BE SEIZED GERMAN THREATS PREVENT HOLLAND SIGNING AGREEMENT. (Rec. March 17, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, March 15. Britain and America have decided to seize the Dutch shipping because it is urgently needed. Holland wished to enter into an agreement, but was prevented by German threats to torpedo Dutch ships and establish a U-hoat blockade of tho North Sea route to Holland. Officials do not expect Holland to formally sign the agreement, but believe she will tacitly acquiesce— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Amsterdam, March 15. The Dutch Government objects to the ships being used in the danger zone in European waters. Otherwise it is prepared to accede to the AngloAmerican request to exchange, foodstuffs from America and. facilities for traffic to the Dutch colonies.—Aus.N.Z. Cable .Assn. WARRANTED BYJNTERNATIONAL LAW A GERMAN~PREOEDENT. (Rec. March 17, 5.5 p.m.) New York, March 15. The "New York World" states that the seizure of Dutch ships is fully warranted by international law. The "New York Tribune" says it may be taken for granted that Holland does not resent the seizure, though she mny formally protest, as Germany mav threaten dire consequences if Holland submits. But Germany is hardly likely to deliberately add Holland to her 'list of enemies. Tho seizure has historic precedence .in Germany s. eeizure of neutral ships during the Franco-Prussian War in 18/o.—Aus.N.Z. Ca.ble Assn. A MILLION "TONS" AVAILABLE HOLLAND TO BE LIBERALLY COMPENSATED. Washington,' March 14. It is estimated that a million tons of Dutch shipping will be available, of which 70 per cent, is in American ports The Allies propose to give Holland foodstuffs in'return for her shipping. Holland also receives a- liberal monetary consideration. The ships will be armed and insured;—Ans-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN PRESS JN_A_TOWERING RAGE DRASTIC MEASURES DEMANDED. (Rec. March 17, 5.5 p.m.) Copenhagen, March ]5. The Anglo-American decision to utilise Dutch shipping has thrown tho German Press into a towering rage. AH the papers demand that drastic .measures shall he taken against Holland if she yields—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . CONCRETE "sinFIAIINCHED AMERICA BUILDING 54 OTHERS. (Rec. March 17, 5.5 p.m.) ■ San Francisco, March 15. A reinforced concrete ship or -Ono tons has been launched at s Pw port.' Fifty-four others are to be built without delay—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AMERICAN-13UILTJHIPS F9R AUSTRALIA (Rec. March 17, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, March 17. The crew which will bring the first of the ships built in America for tho Commonwealth has left Sydney-Press Assn.