NORTH SEA COMMISSION

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, 28 February 1905, Page 2

NORTH SEA COMMISSION

READING DE .THE REPORT,; By Electric Telegraph—Per Press , Association'— Copyright. PARIS, February 26, Admiral Fournier read the report of .the North Sea .Commission, in French, -* , • i - The report stated that Admiral Roshdestvensky was responsible for (tho order to lire, in consequence of the trawlers’ green dare arousing suspicions aboard, ■ and to, Kinazsonyorff’a .(commander of the Kamschatka) wireless telegram, .that be was attacked on all sides by torpedoboats, ‘ . 1

(Referring jfca ibhe Aldebaran incident, it is said [that this previously, induced 'Admiral Roshadestveasky to issue a warning to the squadron that an attack by torpedo,-boiats was; possible at one o'clock, A majority of tho Commission were Of the opinion that the Auiota pro,voked the first fire,, and .that Admiral Rpshdestvensky/s firing was unjustifiable, sinoe the trawlers were regularly lighted, their attitude was not hostile, and there were no tor-pedo-boats on the scene. Tho duration of the firing was also longer • than necessary, though Admiral Roshdestvensky endeavored rto, prevent the firing when the trawlers were recognised as such. The Russian Commissioner 'dissents from this finding, declaring that the hostility of the trawlers Was the cause of the firing. In conclusion, the Commissioners declare that the opinions formulated do not reflect on, the ma-rtfal qualities and sentiments of humanity of Admiral Rosiidestvensiky, pr, the personnel of his squadron.-, The Commissioners, in their report report, express, the opinion that Admiral Roshidestvensky’s .precautionary; orders were not excessive, in view of the impossibility of checking the correctness of the Government’s wanning, nor considering the uncertainty and danger. I It was improper to proceed after I the firing ceased, although it was J regrettable that he did not communi- j cate with the authorities at Dover. I

A SIGNIFICANT FACT, (By Electric Telegraph—Per Preps Association —Copyright. Received 8.50 p.m., Feb-. 27, ; PARIS, February 27. The Commissioners noted that Admiral Folkersam’s division, preceding Admiral Roshidestvensky-’s, used a searchlight, recognised the j inoficusivencss pf the trawlers, and did not fire.

' OPINION OF THE PRESS,: s -DIPLOMATIC DESIGN TO END. TROUBLE,: By Electric ,Telegraplfc—Fer Press Association—Copyright. Received 8,59 p.m.,, Feb.: 27,LONDON, February. 27,The London press considers the Commissioners’ report substantially; a British victory. The Times, while expressing satis- - faction that Great Britain has been victorious on the principal issues, presumes that despite the Commission's perplexing remarks that the I censure or otherwise punjs-h Admiral I Roshdestvensky,- | The Standard thinks that Russia | has been treated with marked ten- | derness, and that it is unlikely any- j one will he punished. im> Tho award j is diplomatically designed,’-’ it ( states, " to end tho business qluietly I with a minimum of unpleasantness. - ]