THE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1917, Page 2

THE WAR.

(Per United Press Association]

POSITION OF NEUTRALS.

Mr Wilson’s Note(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Rfcuter.) London, Feb 7 The present position is that Switzerland has negrtived President Wilson’s proposal and Holland probably won’t como up to Mr Wilson’s expectations. Spain his replied. In the meantime the <jr iverument a-is refused ; o suspend ebippiug. Scandinavia is negotiating mutually--8r,.zl has sent u strong Note to Germany. Chili and Argentine stand firmly by Braz'l. It is pointed out hers that German j’s period of gracs expired tonigh . Dutch Fears London. Feb 7 Th 9 Daily Telegraph’d liotterdam co-respondent states the Uerman coucemratiosn on the frontier of Holland continue, including cavalry. Many Hatch inhabitants are packed up in r.ad'ness to depart. A German Statement London, Feb 7 A semi-official Berlin message states that Germany’s enemies are tryiDg to spread the belief that Germany's concession to Holland is a'siga of weakness. Herr Hefferich now states that the new submarine war has the object to shorten the war. It mast be remembered that any additional suffering by neutrals is small compared to the suffering England had caused them. There was no question of retracting their steps. A Joint ReplyCopenhagen, Feb 7 The Danish, Swedish and No rwegian Governments raceived Mr Wilson’s Note yesterday and are negotiating for a joint reply. Iho Swiss View. Bekne, Feb 7 Switz rland's reply to Mr Wilson remarks that her geographical position prevents her examining the problem in the same light as America. Ar. Invitation.

Rome, Feb 7

The Italia Noz’onale states that Germany has addressed a Note to neutrals, an invitation to a conference on shipping questions.

Getting Ready

New York, Feb 6

A bill appropriating thirty million pounds was introduced in Congress tor the purpose of facilitating the quick delivery of warships under construction and the deliver}' of naval supplies.

Making Sure

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association

and Reuter.)

(Received Feb 8, at 11.10 a.m.) London, Ftb 7

The Daily Telegraph’s Copenhagen correspondent reports that it is officially stated that Mr Gerard was not allowed to leave Berlin, until Germany was satisfied of Count Bermstorff’s treatment. Neutral InsuranceLondon, Feb 7 The new 'scheme of war insurance of neutral vessels, begins to-day.

Neutrals Reply.

Copenhagen, Fab 7

It is understood that Denmark’s reply to United States says the positions are so different, that comparisons are impossible. Also that the three Scandinavian Governments are discuißing their attitude towards the German blockade. Probably the Swedish and Norwegian replies will be identical.

Dutch SufferingAmsterdam, Feb 7 The sufferings of the poorer people are becoming much more acute, the severity of the weather aggravating the misery and disturbances occurred at Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Hague, The gravest anxiety exists, and there is a widespread protest against Government not having suppressed food smuggling to Germany. The frontier guards are charged with complicity. Rumours that Germany hopes to im» port increased quantities of food in return for manufactures, deepens the public alarm. Spain’s Position. Madrid, Feb 7^ Spain’s economic position is inoreasiogly grave. Barcelona and Valencia are threatened with ruin and the Canary Islands are reported to be verging on starvation. There is much unemployment in Spain. Outbursts are feared. The G&rmanophile German owned press is exploiting the situation attempting to coerce the Government to support Germany,