Submarine Piracy

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 197, 6 September 1937, Page 7

Submarine Piracy

(British Official Wireless.)

BRITISH PROPOSALS Security for Mediterranean Traffic

PRACTICAL MEASURES

(Received 6, 12.40 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 4. Widespread interest has been aroused by the proposed conference of Mediterranean Powers, at which importaut proposals will be put forward hy the British Government. So far as the British Government is concerned, all its energies will bo directed towards ensuring the adoption of carefully-devised practic-al measures that will alford security for Mediterranean traffic. It is hoped and believed here that those taking part at the conference wilJ share the British Government 's view that it is future security rather than the discussion of past evcnts that must be the main occupation of the conference. The steps already taken — namely, the sending of British reinforcements to the western basin of the Mediterranean and the Government announcemeul regarding the conference — have had a steadying effect on British public opinion, Britain and France (reports a sbpplementary Press Association cable) havo further discussed proposals to comLat attacks hy submarines in the Mediterranean. These proposals are expected to include the clhssification of both submarine and aerial attack as piracy, so that an offender's nationality and origin would bo irrelevant. These steps would enable all navies to eollabnrate in hunting pirates attacking mercliantmen, which are to be advised to keep to definite routes. Joint British and French invitations have been extended to Italy, Eussia, Germany, Groece, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Albania, Rumania and Bulgaria to attend the conference. It is suggested that the conference should be held on September 10 near Geneva.