SHIPPING SHORTAGE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 159, 25 March 1918, Page 6

SHIPPING SHORTAGE

THE REQUISITION OF DUTCH VESSELS

HOLLAND TO BE SUPPLIED

WITH WHEAT

London, March 22. In the House of Commons, Lord Eoberfc Cecil, Minister of Blockades, said that owing to the non-ratification of the Dutch agreement,.the Entente had do option, and was forced to requisition the Dutch shipping. The Entente would carry out ihe step in the least obnoxious manner, and would also supply wheat to Holland as it had offer-ed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Amsterdam, March 22. The Foreign Minister has declared that lie will not withdraw any d the proposed conditions in respect *o the Allies' demand for slr'pping. He considers the demands humiliating,—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

SHIPS IN AMERICAN WATERS SEIZED FULL COMPENSATION TO FE PAID. Washington, March 22. A . Presidential proclamation has been issued authorising tho Navy Department to take over vessels «n the Netherlands (Holland) registry ■ in American territorial waters lor use during the war. Full compensation, will be paid to tho owners through the United States Shipping Hoard. The vessels will be manned, equipped, and operated by the Navy Department ur the Shipping Board.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. New York, March 22. Forty-six Dutch ships have been seized here, and many in other ports have been seized. American naval reserves boarded the ships and hoisted the Stars and Stripes. The .ships were taken over quietly and without resist-ance.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

DUTCH NEWSPAPERS PROTEST ALLIES' INSTRUCTIONS ISSUED. (Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.) Amsterdam, March 23. The newspapers continue to protest against the Entente's shipping proposals, but information in diplomatic circles is to the effect that tilt: Allies have already issued instructions peparatory to taking over the vessels — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

GERMAN THREATS AGAINST HOLLAND Paris, March 21. A messape. from Zurich states that bho semi-official German Press announces that Holland will have to hear the consequences of her decision, and must expect a submarine blockade of ell her ports. The German Government is exercir'.ng the utmost pressure upon the Dutch Government.—Aus.iN.Z. Cable Assn.

EXPECTED GERMAN ACTION

AN ENDEAVOUR TO BOTTLE THE

SHIPS UP. (Rec. March 24, 5.5 p.m.)

New York, March ;•?,

The Allies expect Germany to alli>w the Dutch, ships to reach home ports, and then endeavour to bottle them up. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE ALLIES , LOSSES OF SHIPPING

AND THE TONNAGE BUILT.

Washington, Marcii 22. The British Embassy has announced that shice the war began the Allies' loss of shipping is 11,827,572 tons, and the tonnage built is 6,600,127 tons.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

PROVISION AGAINST SUBMARINES GERMAN VKISONYiRS ON BRITISH SHIPS. London, March 22. Many petitions are being circulated in "provincial towns asking the Government to place German prisoners on British ships—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

NEW SHIPYARD IN IRELAND KEEL OF "THE FIRST IRISH CONCRETE SHIP LAID. London, March 22. The keel of tho First Irish concrete ship has been laid in a new shipyard in the north-west. The sito was virgin soil six weeks ago, but now comprises six slips, live of which will be occupied by the end of March by vessels of a thousand tons built to Government order. Tho first is to be completed by tho end of May.—Aus.-N.Z. oablo Assn.