POSITION AT END OF THE YEAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 158, 23 March 1918, Page 7

POSITION AT END OF THE YEAR

STATEMENT BY THE ADMIRALTY. (Rec. March 23, 0.20 a.m.) London, March 21. An Admiralty statement summarises as follows tho shipping position at the ond of last year:— Tons. British losses 7,079,000 Foreign losses 3,750,000 Total 10,829,000 Gains by new tionBritish 3,031,000 Foreign 3,600,000 Enemy tonnage captured — , By the British 780,000. Foreign 1,800,000 Total gainsBritish 3,800,000 Foreign 5,383,000 Tot-al 9,183,000 —Auß;-N.Z. Gable Assn.-Reuter LORD CHARLES BERESFORD SPEAKS ON THE QUESTION "CONTROL SHOULD BE LEFT TO . THE SHIPBUILDERS." London, March 21. Lord Charles- Bercsford, in a speech in London, said: "The shipping position is serious. The Government has done its best, but it is a devilish bad best. We have got into this rnesß through Government • control of the shipbuilding business. It should bo left to the shipbuilders."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. i

ENGLISH PRESS OPINIONS SPEECH REGARDED AS REAS- ; SURING. "■-(Rec.- March 22, 7.25 p.m.) • London, March 21. •• The "Times,"' commenting on Sir Eric'Geddes's statement, says:—"The general, effect is rather reassuring, 'flic statement of British losses is much legs reassuring, and increases the suavity and urgency of the shipbuilding problem." The "Times" naval correspondent says it is doubtful whother the rather cold statement mil arouse the nation to the supreme, essential effort. ■ The "Daily Mail" says the facts aro serious enough, but need not cause dismay if the situation is faced in the right smrit. ... The "Daily News" says:—"Sir Eric Geddes has not alleviated public anxiety, and has not fulfilled the expectation of the Government, which intended that he should confide in the nation. It is time that this great'question ceased to bo the Bport of weak men at cross purposes." Tlie "Daily Express" urges:—"lf Lord Pirric is to be made the autocrat of the shipyards, put him at. the wheel, and forbid all interference. He knows more about shipbuilding than any other man in the United Kingdam."—"The Tfmes.' T

(Rec. March 22, 11.55 p.m.)

London, 'March 21. .The newspapers regard Sir Erie Geddes's speech as reassuring rather than disquieting, _ but complain of its omissions, especially regarding the losses of merchant shipping, and demand 'fuller details. The "Daily Telegraph" points out that the figures clo not include ships out of commission Tor manv weeks during repairs. It aids: "The losses must be deducted from half t.lio aggregate on the register owing to the number of engaeed in naval and military duties: therefore last year's depredations, on the basis of the supply of the civil needs of the population, equalled a net reduction of tonnage of 40 ner cent." The speech is also criticised on the ground that it is a mere defence of the Admiralty, not giving a rousing call to the shinvard workers to do their utmost—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

DUTCH SHIPS FOR THE ALLIES STATEMENT lIV TTOT/MND'S FOREIGN MINISTER, The Hague, March 21. The Foreign Minister, speaking in the Second Chamber, stated that the placing of Dutch ships at the Allies' disposal was not a breach of neutrality. The Government at first intended to refuse, but reconsidered its view, as the interests of Holland's industries, shipping, and colonies wore involved. The matter 'affected a million tons of

1 Dutch shipping outside Dutch ports. ; A debate followed, and is not yet fiu- j ished. —Rcuter. I

HOLLAND'S CONDITIONS REFUSED ]

A NEW CRISIS CREATED. (Rec. March 22, 10.15 p.m.)

London, March 21. , It is not clear whether the Dutch : Parliament's acceptance of the Allies' j ultimatum merely referred to approval j of the Foreign Minister's , statement. The Dutch reply has not yet been re- j coived in London, but it is believed ; that the Entente will proceed with, the ; requisitions. The latest_ messages ; from the Hague state that it is under- ; stood that the Entente have refused | the Dutch conditions, thereby causing ! a new crisis.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. '

HOLLAND'S REPLY TO THE

ALLIES, RECEIVED. Washington,' March 21. , Holland's reply to the Allies' demand for shipping has been received by the State Department, but the contents have not been disclosed. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

COALING OF NEUTRAL SHIPS ' STATEMENT BY SOUTH AFRICAN. ! PRIME MINISTER. ; (Rec. March 22, 7.25 p.m.) 1 \ Capo Town, March 21. i In the House of Assembly the Primo i Minister, in reply to questions, denied that neutral ships had been refused , coal in South African ports. He knew notning regarding the seizure of Dutcii shipping beyond what had been published. He sincerely hoped.that Hoi- j land would be able to keep out of the war. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.