SINK AT SIGHT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20043, 15 September 1939, Page 11

SINK AT SIGHT

NAZI INDICATION SUBMARINE RAIDERS CONFIDENCE OF ALLIES ULTIMATE SUPPRESSION YEARS OF RESEARCH (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 14, 2.45 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 13.

A Copenhagen message quotes a Berlin correspondent of the Danish press, who says that the Germans admit they are in a serious position as a result of the blockade, but the answer will be gives) by unrestricted sinking of ships by the German .submarines. It is stated that this will put neutrals in a hopeless position.

The British Official Wireless service reports that while there is yet no definite indication of the German Government’s decision as to how the submarine warfare is to develop, the sinking of the Athenia might seem to suggest that Germany has decided to begin a campaign of unrestricted sinkings at sight, not only in defiance of international law, but in direct violation of the specific undertakings into which she solemnly entered in 19313. Meanwhile it is clear that the life of the British Empire, together with all the Empire’s warlike and economic activities, goes on much as it did before. Ships are daily entering and clearing from British ports in the accustomed numbers and the most acute observer would fail to detect any difference, except regarding such necessary precautions as must be observed in wartime, between any busy British port to-day and six months ago.

Losses to be Expected

It is true that some British ships have been sunk. This was to be expected during the first week or so of war. There may be a few more sinkings before the submarine menace is finally disposed of and until the submarines now known to be at large have been destroyed or otherwise dealt with. The main point to be remenToered is that the British naval authorities, who, in- circumstances of far greater peril and difficulty quelled the submarine menace in 1917, have not been idle during the 20 odd years which have elapsed. Patient research into the submarine menace has gone on undiminished and has yielded valuable results. If, therefore, Germany has decided to throw this challenge to the civilised world, so far as Britain and France are concerned, it is one which both countries will face with calm and confidence.

The Ministry of Information in a communique draws attention to Britain's right to stop neutral merchantmen on the high seas in order to determine their character and the nature of the occupation in which they are engaged. The communique states that the existence of this right is peremptorily required in order to enforce the control of neutral trade, which belligerents are permitted to exercise.