SCAPA FLOW SCUTTLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1919, Page 3

SCAPA FLOW SCUTTLE.

NAVAL WRITERS VIEWS

OPINIONS OF ADMIRALS.

(Bv Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) [acstkalian A n.z- cable association]

(Received this day at 11.25 a.m.) ~ LONDON, June 22

Naval writers point out we wore not legally entitled to place armed guards aboard the German Fleet. The navy maintained this attitude with studious correctness. It may have been folly, but it was a British tradition. At least one trawler was constantly drifting up and down the line of interned warships, keeping watch. None of the German crews were allowed to leave their ships. It would seem impossible that all the ships would settle down and sink without the British Admiral commanding the guard ships guarding the entrances learning something suspicious was afoot, unless the Germans secretly smuggled infernal machines nboard which is doubtful. They probably prepared additional inlets for the water, supplementing the ordinary Kingston valves to accelerate the sinking. The German crews were relieved monthly, and returned to Germany. They received all their rations from Germany. It is recalled that Admiral von Reu- I ter who was commanding the interned fleet burst into tears complaining of Admiral Beatty’s order to haul down the German flag, that it was not in keeping with the idea- of chi vain, between honourable opponents. Reuter after making an urgent petition and pleading (sickness, was permitted to return to Germany temporarily. This is interpreted as meaning that he was sick of Sen pa Flow. His speedy return to the fleet indicates that h c was equally as dissatisfied'with Germany. It is improbable that Reuter planned the final' coup. The Admiralty have not disclosed what action will he taken. Admiral Cyprian Bridge interviewed, suggests that the scuttling was carried onit under instructions received secretly from Berlin. The crews should bo court martialled. The action shows the Germans are still without a sense of honour and decency. This is a piece of gratuitous iniquity. The harm must bp measured by the tme, trouble and expense of raising, because the ships must foe' cleared in order to clear the anchorage, although not in the fairway. The whole affair is frankly dishonourable, and was intended as a direct 'nsult. Admiral Percy Scott, interviewed, said it serves iis right for trusting the Huns. Throughout the war they have shown they arc not a civilised race, but barbarians. Another prominent Admiral exemplifies the Germans as unworthy of our consideration. They did not refrain from treachery even when the fate of their Empire was in the balance.

A COURT MARTIAL. (Received this day ar, 1.30 p.m > LONDON, June 24.

The Alites have decided to courtmartial Admiral von Renter for breach of the armistice.