FRANCE FOLLOWS BRITAIN’S LEAD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20102, 23 November 1939, Page 5

FRANCE FOLLOWS BRITAIN’S LEAD

BERLIN OUTCRY OF “OPEN ROBBERY”

UNEASINESS OF NEUTRAL COUNTRIES

ALL SAILINGS CANCELLED BY DUTCH

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 23, .11.20 a.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 22

The announcement made in the House of Commons yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, that, as a reprisal against Germany’s indiscriminate mine-laying on trade routes, exports of German origin or ownership would be subject to seizure on the high seas, is reported to have caused acute anxiety to neutrals, bit the general reaction does not compare with the bitterness aroused by the sinnlai measures in the last war.

It is officially announced in Paris that, the French Government has taken the same decision as Britain concerning the application of reprisals against the German export trade as a result of the nature of the naval warfare which the Germans have been conducting for several weeks, especially in the last few days.

The Germans describe the British reprisals as. “Open robbery.” The official German news agency in Berlin says: “Britain’s entire sea trade in wartime is based on. pirate principles. Open robbery of neutral ships on the high seas will not be surprising in the light of the ruthlessness with which England has always forced her way against the principles of international law. It is most likely that the sinking of ships in British waters was staged for the express purpose of announcing the reprisals.” Course Deemed Logical.

A Copenhagen message states that the British reprisals arc considered logical, but they mean another burden to neutral trade. It is feared that the latest developments may force Denmark to rearrange her trading, both to Britain and Germany.

A message from The Hague quotes the Nicuwe Rotterdamsehe Courant which says that if Britain really takes the measures threatened she will be convicted of conduct which “is not only illegal and illogical but will also display a serious lack of tact.”

Amsterdam reports that acting on the advice of. the Government Dutch shipowners have cancelled all sailings from Dutch ports.

The Italian newspapers publish Mr, Chamberlain’s announcement without comment, but give much space to the German piracy allegations. The British decision was expected, but the speed with which it was made caused surprise in Rome. A Bucharest message states that Rumanian businessmen are of the opinion that Britain’s decision may result in increased economic pressure on Rumania.