ARMED NEUTRALITY.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1917, Page 2

ARMED NEUTRALITY.

Request for Authority.

(Reoeived Feb 27, at 12.40 p.m.) London, Feb 26

Mr Wilson continued that if it were impossible to safeguard American rights by diplomatic means against unwarranted infringements, there may be no recourse but to armed neutrality. for which there waa abundant American precedent. It is devoutly to be hoped it will nofc be necessary to put armed forces anywhere into action. The American people do not desira it, and onr desire is not different from, theirs. I ses they will understand the spirit in which I am acting and the purpose I hold next to my heart, aud would wieh to exhibit iD everything I do. I am anxious that the people of the nations at war, should not mistrust us,

I hope that I need give no farther proof ana assurances than 1 have already given throughout the nearly three years of anxious patieuce that I am a friend of peace and mean to preserve it for America as long as I am able.

I am not now proposing or contemplating war or any Bteps that may lead to it. War cau only come by the wilful - acts and aggression of others.” Mr Wilson explained that he wanted a general authority by Congress,, believing the people were willing to trust him to act with prudenoa and the true spirit of amity. He also asked for authority for thei particular supply of American ships for defensive armament and a credit to provide insurance as against the present war risks.

Human Rights at Stake.

Must be Defended;

London, Feb 26 The President r' onclnded by empha . sisiDg the f or keeping fundamental v jUtaan rights before all minds, was speaking of no eelfisb, mp .terial rights, but of thß rights whose foundation is that righteous passion for justice upon which all law and all structures of family; of the State and of mankind, must rest.

No man, with American principles at heart, can hesitate to defend these things,

French Airship Lost

i (Australian & N.Z, Cable Association and Reuter). Beklin, Feb 26 German official—We downed a Frenoh airship ablazs near Melz, The cargo of bombs exploded when it touched the ground and the crew of 14 were killed. Details of the construction of the airship were easily recognisable from th: remnants. Russian Report. (Admiralty per Wireless Press) London, Feb 26 Russian official—Reconuoitrers penetrated the enemy’s trenches westward of Jablonitza. Scouts dispersed Turks on the western bank of Lake Vm with heavy IOSB6S.

Promise to China.

Pekin, Feb 26 The Chinese Minister at Berlin haa informed his government that Germany has stated she could not alter her submarine campaign, but would respect Chinese lives and property, and promised to do her utmost to secure China’s participation in the Peace Conference, if her relations with Germany were maintained.