THE SCUTTLED FLEET

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 235, 28 June 1919, Page 7

THE SCUTTLED FLEET

COURT-MARTIAL FOR

VON REUTER

BRITAIN'S RESPONSIBILITY

REVIEWED

NOT LEGALLY ANSWERABLE 3y Toleffrapfi—Prefifl Association—OoDTright London, June 24. The Allies have decided to court-mai« tin 1. Admiral von .Renter for a breach of thej'iinnislice.—"The Times." BRITAIN'S ADVICE IGNOKEU Paris, Juno 2G. It is learned from an authoritative source that when the armistice was arranged Great .Britain asked for the surreiidor'of the Gernian ships. The French and American representatives favoured internment in a neutral port. Marshal Foch urged that the armistice should bo arranged without delay, pointing out that asking for tho .surrender of the ships might cause delav with consequent great daily loss or life. The British representatives realised the ,reason of the arguments, and accepted as a compromise to intern the ships in a British port.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY OF BRITAIN COMMENT ON Tfl'l4 HUNS' 'PREACHERY. London, June 22. ifcival writers point out that Britain was not legally entitled to place armed guards on board the Gernian Navy ships. The Navy maintained this attitude with studied correctness, .jj It may have been folly, but it was in accordance with British tradition. At least one trawler was constantly drifting up and down the line ot interned warships, keeping watch, and none of the German crews' was allowed to leave the ships. It would have seemed impossible that all the ships coulcl settle down and sink without tho British Admiial commanding the ships guarding the entrances learning that something suspicious was afoot, unless the Germans had secretly smuggled infernal machines aboard, which is doubtful. They probably prepared additional inlets for the water, to supplement the ordinary Kingston valves, and accelerate Ihe sinking. Tiie, 'German crows were relieved • monthly, and returned: to Germany. They received all (heir rations from Germany.

It is recalled that Admiral vun Renter, who was in command of the interned lieet. burst into '(ears' when lie complained of Admiral Beatty's order to haul down llio German flag as not in keeping with (hi? idea of chivalry between honourable opponents. Von Reiiter, after making an urgent petition on the ground of sickliest, was permitted to return to Germany temporarily. This was interpreted as meaning that lie was sick of Kcapa Flow; and his speedy return indicated that he was equally dissatisfied with Geimany. It is improbable that von Router planned the .final coup. The Admiralty has not. disclosed what action "-will be taken.

Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge, in an interview, suggests that the of 'he ships was carried'wit under instructions received secretly from Borlin. The crews should- he court-mortlalled. The action, he says, shows that, the Germans nro still without a 'sense oMiouour aid decency. This pieco of grntuitons iniquity and harm must, lie-measured by the time, trouble, and expense involved i-i''raising tho ship.", because Uiey must be removed in order to clear t'.ie iinch<rage,. although they: are not'blocking the fairway. The whole affair is frankly dishonourable, and was intended as a (lirei'l insult.

.Admiral Sir Percy Scott sail in .in interview: "it serves'us-right .for trusting the Huns. Throughout the war they nave shown they are not a civilised, race, • but barbarians." '

Another prominent Admiral says''' the event exemplifies the Germans' umrorthiness of onr consideration. 'Phe.v did not refrain from treachery even when thn fate ol" (li"ir Empire was in lite br.lwc. -A'is. N.Z. Cable Assn. '

TRICKSTERS;TO BR PUNISHED. (Eec. June.27, 8.20 p.m.)' Vancouver, June 25. The Allies have notified Germany of their, intention to punish those guilty of sinking tlio fleet.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.