Germans Explain.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1917, Page 1

Germans Explain.

(Aus'r, Han & N.Z. Cable Association and Renter). AMSTERDAM, March 4. A Gorman semi-official statement declares that it is not only the right, but /the duty o& the Government to approach Mexico so at to counterpoise tho United States joining the Allies. The German Minister in Mexico has been instructed not to take any steps until he is certain that the United States is declaring war. NEW YORK, March 2. The “Herald’s” Havana corresponuent says the Germans offered to aid the Cuban rebels as part of tho scheme to embroil the United States. LONDON, March 3rd. Montons sltates that he received no proposed to join a possible war against the United States. It was an outrageous presumption that Japan would abandon .the / Allies. , German? in Mexico.

NEW YORK, March a. It lias been ascertained that three thousand Germans were working in Mexico,, endeavouringg to cause war with America. They were banded together as tho Iron Cross Society. The German Press is debarred from commenting oil the Mexican revelations and this restriction has caused a bad impression. It is considered possible that Herr Zimmerman will be forced to resign, and that Count Bernstorff must retire. Japan’s Reply LONDON, March 3. The Japanese ambassador in uaonaon has informed the correspondent of the “Philadelphia Ledger” that he regarded as contemptible the Mexican intrigue. With scorn and ridicule the ambassador officially said that the revelations should cause Americans to realise once and for all that they have as little cause to fear the Japanese as they have the Dominions in the Pacific, which Japan is assisting to ddfend.

Centro! of Shipping

LONDON, March 3,

The Controller of Shipping lias notified the requisitioning vessels in the Australian trade, Blue Book rates to form a basis of remuneration, subject to the adustment of the various charges.. The Government desires to interfere

at present as little as possible’Vith the existingg trade arrangements at Home. The intention is that owners run their vessels as for themselves, though actually for tho 'Government, who confidently looks to them to conduct their businesses as zealously and carefully as if their own interests alone were involved. Owners are asked to appoint a small committee to examine the ivq tirements of the trade in relation to the tonnage available, and submit a report for the Controller’s approval. It is suggested that in outward employment individual vessels should pay special attention to acertaining whether any tonnage is in excess of outward requirements which would be available for employment in other trades.

P ol Alarming.

LONDON, March 3

In Ills presidential address !to the United Kingdom Chamber of Shipping, Mr William llacburn, while admitting that the (Allied shipping losses for the last few months wore serious detuned that (the situation was not alarming, and. he was confident that German submarines were as powerless to affect the final issue as the Zeppelins,were. •He hoped that very soon every merchantman would be armed with experts and lie opined that guns astern would be sufficient. Regarding shipbuilding, there was not only a scarcity of material, but a scarcity of men, bujt it was no use disguising tho fact that the men (although making enormous wages) were givingg less work in return. If employers dedclayed or obstructed important national work they would receive short shrift, and why not deal similarly with the men. The time for slackness and timidity was past and ho finally suggested that one of tlie conditions of peace should have Germany compelled to hand over her entire mercantile fleet. Why should compunction ho shown a nation with such records of infamy on tho high seas? A resolution was carried condoTrwing the nationalisation of the mercantile marine.

Zepp Destr.ovßfl. AMSTERDAM, March 4. Belgium reports that a now Zeppelin in In i' speed trails at Ghent exploded and was completely destroyed with the crew incinerated. iVlsatlQss Bays. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association) LONDON, March* Although meatless days rave not been ordered, several West End restaurants aro following the example of the clubs in refusing to serve meat on Fridays. Many thousands aro making, potato patches and some London firms are closed on Saturday mornings in order to enable week-end potato digging. Newspapers prinjt for vegetable growing. Tho Ministry regards this as valuable assistance. LONDON, March 2. The Hon Austin Chamberlain announced in Cardiff that a' hundred thousand had volunteered for national service but be wanted half a million.