THE MEDITERRANEAN RIGHT-OF-WAY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 198, 7 September 1937, Page 6

THE MEDITERRANEAN RIGHT-OF-WAY

There can be no doubt as to the serious and ominous situation that has been created by the illegitimate activities of so far unidentifiable undcr- water and over-head craft in the Mediterranean. With ti early a score of rnerchant vessels of various nationalities, but mostly British, sunk or disabled, something of a climax has been reached when a British ship of war has been raade the object of attack. To these nefarious actions the name of piracy is being applied. but quite inaptly. Piracy implies something in the nature of robbery, and there is tio motive of-that character to be discovered in these Mediterranean incidents. Destruction was obviously the only purpose in view and, in the case of the merchantmen, prevention of their cargoes Teaching their intended destinations. There has, of course, been a great deal of speculation as to whence the submarine craft concerned may have come. The Italian press was quick to suggest that it or they were under the direction of the Spanish Government. But it can scarcely be thought that any craft under such control would make- targets of British shipping. Much more likely would it be that their aira would be directea against the Italian vessels which throng these waters, but which have so far escaped attention. Moreover, these illicit operations have extended far afield to the Eastern Mediterranean and even into Turkish territorial waters where no Spanish craft, either loyalist or insurgent, would be likely to venture. No open suggestion has been made that these atrocities are attributable to Italian submarines, but the Italian press has indignantly denied "insinuations" of that kind, which readily brings to mind the old French proverb, "qui s'excuse s'accuse." However, leaving aside the question of sheeting home responsibility for past happenings, a position has arisen which clamantly calls for rectification in the inlerests of all •maritime nations. It will thus be with grave concern that the proceedings at the international conference called for this week at Geneva will be watched and their results awaited. According to what we are told to-day this conference will be thoroughly representative of interested European Powers, it being said that Italy's attendance, as to which there had been some doubt, is now assured. Apparently,' however, the American Government is to take no hand, though it, too, cannot but feel concern as to the violations of international law that have taken place. With countries involved that are so deeply and bitterly at variance as Germany and ltaly, on the one hand, and Russia, on the other, it is scarcely to be hoped that discussions and deliberations will follow the cairn and dispassionate course which the situation demands if conclusions of any lasting value are to be reached. And here it is to be noted that the British Government has in view "future security rather than the discussion of past events." As to the attitude which the British Foreign Mmister, who is to attcnd' in person, will adopt, it may be assumed that he will maintain what h"e said only a few weeks ago in the House of Commons when the problem of Spain was under discussion. ''But," he then said, "disinterestedness in the internal affalrs of Spain must not be taken to meau disinterestedness where British interests are concerned on the land or sea frontiers of Spain or the trade routes that pass her by. This ooujitry has cvery intention of defending its national interest in the Mediterranean, as elscwhere in the world. Tb'ere must be no "mistaiie about that. . . . If the Mediterranean is for us a main arterial road — and it is — yet there is plenty of rooin for all on 6uch a road. If wp intend to inaintain our place on it — and we do — we have no intention of seeking to turn anybody else off it. Least of all do we wish to interfere with those who dwell geographieally upon it. Free trafiic through and out of the Mediterranean is the comrr.on interest of Great Britain and of all the Mediterranean Powers." In this, as in so many instances before, while the interests of the Empire may be the main impelling motive, Great Britain will be fighting in the interests also of all other nations who are desirous that their relations with one another should be governed by some sys'cem of international law by which all will feel themselves morally bound, and to which their conduct will conform.