AUSTRIA’S ATTITUDE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1917, Page 2

AUSTRIA’S ATTITUDE

Approves of Submarining

[reuter’s service.—copyrightJ

(Received Feb 8, at 11.25 a.m.) Amsterdam, Feb 7 The p; onouncemcnt -of An-itrias attitude on thi new submarining was made by Count Tieza iu the Hungarian Parliament He said he justified the use of the new weapon on the ground that their adversaries were arming merchantmen and laying new minefields. Moreover, the successful employment of subrnar’nes was thß most effective means of Recuring peace. Evan to-day we were still prepared to

negotiate peace if we received a guarantee that oar enemies were willing to negotiate, but so IcDg as our enemies desire to take our life, we are determined to employ every means to gain victory. Counts Apponyi and Riasy supported Ti-za, but Count Kiralyi denounced unrestricted submarining and pointed out that two million Hungarians were living in America and their fate might be serious in the event of war.

Liners Not to be Armed.

(Received Feb 8, at 11 a.m.)

Washington, Feb 7

The State Depaituent has decided that American liners will not be converted, contending that America has an inalienable right to the high seas. Neutral Feelings. Rio de Janiero, Feb 7 Brsz l’a protest against submarining has been sent to Berlin. The Bolivian Minister says Bolivia also protests.

San Deigo, Fsb 7

It is considered unlikely that Argentina or Chili will cooperate with United States.

Mobilising

Paris, Feb 7

Government is ebortly introducing a Bill to ensure the mobilisation of the entire nation. 1

More Sinkings

(Received Feb 8, at 8.45 a.m.) London, Feb 7

The British Oiiftoniao, of 4303 tons, and Pdm Leaf, also the Norwegian eailer Thorsecund, of 2144 tons, have been torpedoed.

More Ships Sunk.

London, Feb 7

Further eubmarinings include the Swedish steamer Beavalla, of 1,519 tons, the Norwegian sailers Wasdale, of 1,856 tons, and Hongdal, of 2,089 tons.

Russia and Poland.

Petrograd, Feb 7

The Czar has summoned a conference to discuss Poland’s future organisations and relations to the Russian Empire. Some of the newspapers draw attention to the concluding phrase, and say it suggests a free Poland with personal or political union with Russia.

Sazaaoff, who draf ; od the scheme of Polish autonomy before his retirement will be a member of ihe Conference. The Coming Offensive-

London, Feb 5

In a mo:t interesting article in the Paris Journal “ Colonel X,” states that the adversaries on the West front have been continually testing their respective etrengths along the whole line and especially in the regions of former battles on the Somme, Meuse, Champagne, and Argonne whilst the Vosges Woevre, and Aisne fronts are also waking up. The writer points out that similar trials of strength preceded the Battle of the Somme, the British having executed no fewer than 70 raids on the front between Yprea and the Somme between June 24 and July 1. The present situation is greatly similar.

A French Heroine

Paris, Feb 5 A new and authoritative version of Marcello Setnmer’s heroism in August 1914, was given at the Sorbonne today. Semmer was then 19 years of age, and an orphan living at Eclusier» on the Somme. Daring the German advance she opened a canal lock, and threw the key into the water, delaying the German army corps for a night. She remained at Eo'ushr after the enemy passed, and snuggled 16 French soldiers to safttr, drea*iog them in civilian clothes. She attempted to smuggle the 17th, but was detected and arrested. When court-martialled, ah 9 admitted her guilt and gloried in it, She was ordered to be shot, and was iwice saved at the point of death by a French bombardment. She escaped to th 3 French lines after 15 months, and has been awarded a knighthood of the •Legion of Honour and th 9 Military Cross. A British general ordered bis soldiers to stand to attention whenever Marcelle Semmer passed. The cable i n this issue accredited to the - -.mea” has appeared in that journal, but cnly where expressly stated is such news the editorial opinion of the “ Times '