PRESIDENT WILSON

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1917, Page 1

PRESIDENT WILSON

Addresses congress. (Australian &N.Z. Cable Associatio ) WASHINGTON, Feb. 3. The American Consuls in belligerent countries have been instructed to suspend all activities favourable to German interests. The Government is considering the convoying of American merchantmen through European waters by the American fleet. Count BcrnstorfF was banded bis passports at 2 o’clock and simultaneous Iy President Wilson commenced a speech in Congress and invoked the guidance of the Almighty in the step he had taken.

He detailed the reasons why Amorico could not continue her relations with a warring Power which had repeatedly invaded the sacred rights and taken the lives of citizens. He recited the various Notes which had passed between the United States and Germany and the promise given after tho sinking of the Sussex. He continued: I think you will agree with me that in view of this week’s declaration, which suddenly withdraws the solemn assurances given in tho German Note of May 4tli that this Government has no alternative, consistent with the dignity and honor of America, but to take a course which, in the Note relating to Sussex, we announced we would take in the event of Germany not abandoning the methods of submarine warfare then employed, and whereto she new proposes to resort. I have directed the Secretry for State to announce to the German Ambassador that all diplomatic relations between America and Germany have been severed and that the American Ambassador at Berlin will be immediately with-

drawn. Notwitlistaudingg this unexpected action of Germany, and its deeply deplorable renunciation of its assurances at a critical moment of tension. I refuse to believe that it is the intenion of the German authorities to do in fact what they warn ns they feel at liberty to do. I cannot, indeed, bring myself to believe that they will pay no regard to the ancient friendship between their people and ours and to the solemn obligations exchanged. Only actual overt acts on. their part can make me believe it.

If this confidence on my part should unhappily prove unfounded and American ships and lives are sacrificed heedless of contravention, and the just and reasonable understanding of international laws and the obvious dictates of humanity, if overt acts are forthcoming. I will come again in Congress and ask authority to use any means necessary for the protection of our seamen and our people. We did not desire a hostile conflict with the German Government. We arc are the sincere friends of the German people and earnestly desire to remain at peace with the Government which speaks for them. All the neutral Governments, he believed, would take the same course. Ho concluded: We seek merely to stand tine alike in thought and action to the immemorablo principles of our people. We seek merely to vindicate our rights to liberty, justice and unmolested life. These are the basis of peace and not of war. 'God grant we may not be challenged in defence of them by acts of wilful injustice on tho part of the Government of Germany. A crowded Chamber cheered President Wilson’s speech. There was a great burst of applause and waving of handkerchiefs when he announced that ho would break relations.

Proposed Boycott. STOCKHOLM, Feb. 5. A conference of sailors and stevedor« unions will be bold shortly to discuss a proposal to boycott German shipping in (Swedish ports as a retaliation. Many ship owners do not believe that the blockade will be effective, and are preparing to resume. Government proposes to alter war insurance to meet tbo new situation. Official Insurance is at present suspended Lwt private companies continue business, charging ten per cent for North iSea voyages. Blockade BangersOOPEHAGEN, Feb. B. The Government is constantly conferring with commercial and financial circles in view of the blockade dangers. Full control of stores will shortly bo established. Export is becoming a delicate problem and it is feared that commercial neutrality is impossible if exports are only sendable to Germany. Still Sailing.

Copenhagen; foV. s. Reports from Norway state that insnranco of ships and goods continues. Some shipowners have ordered their vessels to sail to Britain. Cersored. THE HAGUE, Feb. 5. The Gorman censor has stopped Gorman newspapers from entering finto Holland, also telegrams referring to the effect of America’s action. Diplomatic circles have received no news from Berlin since Saturday. Stopping Permits. MELOURNE, Feb. 5. The Federal authorities have received instructions not to issue further permits for women to visit Britain owing to the new frightfuluess campaign. Heavy Losses. LONDON, Feb 4. A Turkish communique asserts that the British cabled on 3rd Feb., suffered the heaviest losses hitherto in Mc-sopotapiia, being filled,