CHECK AT SEA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20103, 24 November 1939, Page 8

CHECK AT SEA

GERMAN EXPORTS

DECISION OF ALLIES REACTION OF NEUTRALS DUTCH GIVE SURPRISE REALIST PORTUGUESE (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.15 p.m. RUGBY, Nov. 23. Commenting on the decision ol' the Allies that, as a reprisal against Germany's indiscriminate mine-laying on trade routes. exports ol' German origin or ownership would be subject to seizure on the high seas, certain Dutch newspapers criticise the measure as being outside generallyaccepted international law.

The critical tone in a number of these papers is taken in London as reflecting the views of the Dutch Government and authoritative comment in London has expressed surprise at the attitude of the Dutch Gov ovn ivnt and the fact that, while protests are made against the extension ot t! e contraband control to German exports, the Dutch Government apparently remains. silent in face of German measures calculated to inflict far greater damage to neutral shipping and aimed against neutral vessels regardless of the destination or origin of the cargo, whereas the Allied move is confined to cargoes of German origin, the control of which would be subject to the ordinary procedure of contraband control, including reference to the Prize Court and the right of apneal to the Privy Council.

An article in the Portuguese newspaper Zoz displays a more realist attitude when it declares that the German disregard of neutral flags, innocent lives and legitimate commerce will compel a majority of the Powers to change their attitude towards the present conflict. It is understood that the Order-in-Council which the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, stated would be issued giving effect to the decision to seize German exports in neutral ships will appear early next week.

In the meantime no formal intimation lias been made to neutral Powers.