SCAPA FLOW SCUTTLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1919, Page 1

SCAPA FLOW SCUTTLE.

REPLIES IX COMMONS,

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) [AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

LONDON, June 27

In the House of Commons, Mr JUtmbert, in reply to questions, said Admiral von Reuter, would have encountered no difficulty in circulating orders to scuttle the German ships, since he was allowed to visit them, for the purpose of maintaining discipline; When so doing, he was conducted to and from the ships in a British boat. The putting of British guards aboard the German ships, averred Mr Lambert, would unquestionably have been a breach of the terms of the armistice. Britain had acted as she acted in every other matter. She obeyed the terms of the armistice, adhering to the i-iws of war and honour. ALLIES WILL PUNISH GERMANS. PARIS, June 28. The Allies notified Germany of their intention to punish those guilty of sinking tlm German fleet. A GRAPHIC ACCOUNT. BY AMERICAN ARTIST. LONDON, June 27. A marine artist to the American Government, Mr Gribblo, gives a good account of the sinkings. He was cruising around the German Fleet, aboard

a captured trawler, the Sockhosin, at the time. The commander of the trawler, Lieut. Leeth, was astonished to see the German ships begin to disappear. They first noticed the sailors on board the German warships ‘‘Frederick dor Oro.sse” and the “ Frankfurt’’ throwing baggage into boats at headlong speed. Then they followed themselves. Mr Gribblo says he asked Lieut. Leeth ; “Do you allow them joy rides. Then, he ev'mimed: “By Jove! They're scuttling and abandoning the ships!”

Leeth then ordered the Germans to return aboard, or hu would lire on them. The Germans cried: “We’ve not got oars.” The British •jailors then threw oars into the water, exclaiming, “Here you are, you swines!”

But the German boats continued Is) approach, despite the warning. The officers, brazenly impudent, demanded to be taken aboard the Sockhosin. As they persisted Lieut. Leeth ordered liis crew to open fire on them.

“A German officer roared: “You’ve killed four of my men!”

Leeth replied: “Get back to your ships 1” The officer replied: “Wo can’t. They’re sinking.” Just as the officer spoke, the Frederick der Groose turned turtle.

The Socliosin next signalled to coastguards, requesting them to wireless the British fleet.

It was two hours, says Mr Gribblo before the British destroyers arrived. Meanwhile the Germans daringly endeavoured to board the Socliosin. Thu crew were compelled to keep them off with revolvers. One after another the German vessels listed, turned turtle, and sank.

The sea was dotted with German crews in boats, who cheered each ship as she sank.

The battleship Hindenburg hoisted the German ensign. The other ships had two code flags nfc the peak, which Mr Gribble, the previous day, noticed flying on the Emden, the whole fleet answering. "

The Seydlitz turned turtle, but remained visible.

The Soohosin kept passing over the sunken vessels signalling and • minding her hooters. Mr Gribble noticed a number of abati doned steam pinnaces from the battleships and deserted lifeboats floating about. Apparently the pinnaces’ crew were drowned.

British destroyers, seeing the Emden in trouble, attempted to take her in tow, but amidst the confusion, one vessel collided with and smashed the Emden’s gangway, intimately they suecceded in beaching the Emden.

GERMAN PRESS ON T SINKINGS. COPENHAGEN, June 20. The sinking of the fleet is condemned by the German “Left” or radical press. It is being praised by the papers of tlie “Right.” The “Lokal Anzicger'’ speaks of “our brave men, who preferred death to dishonour.”

DEMANDS FOR COMPENSATION PARIS. June 2(5.

“Le petit Journal” commenting on the sinking of the German Elect recalls the fact that Franco had already claimed a portion oT the Elect and demands that France shall be compensated by being given the enemy submarines entrusted her, and also a number of the German merchantmen. WARSHIPS AT KIEL. LONDON; June 28. The Admiralty reports that the German warships at Kiel are afloat.