FURY IN GERMANY

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 263, 24 November 1939, Page 3

FURY IN GERMANY

ALLIED REPRISALS AT SEA FRANCE FOLLOWS BRITAIN’S, LEAD BERLIN OUTCRY OF “OPEN ROBBERY” UNEASINESS OF NEUTRALS SAILINGS CANCELLED BY DUTCH LONDON, Nov. 22. The announcement inado in tlrtt House of Commons yesterday by the Prime Minister, Air. Neville Chamberlain, that, as a reprisal against Germany’s indiscriminate mine-laying c.m trade routes, exports of German origin or ownership would be subject to seizure on the high seas, is reported to have caused acute anxiety to neutrals, hut the- general reaction does not compare with the bitterness aroused by the similar measures' in the last war. It is officially announced in Paris that the French Government has taken the same decision as Britain concerning the application of reprisals against the German export trade as a result of the nature of l;lie naval warfare which the Germans have been -conducting for several weeks, especially in the last few days.

The Germans describe the British reprisals as “open robbery.” ’the official German nows agency in Berlin says: “Britain’s entire sea trade in wartime is based on pirate principals. Open robbery of neutral ships bn tlie high seas will not he surprising in tho light of the nitlile.ssne.ss with which Finglamll has always forced her way againsf. I lie principals ol international law. It is'most likely that the sinking of ships in British waters was staged for f|u* express purpose ol announcing the reprisals.” Course Deemed Logical A Copenhagen message stamps that the British reprisals are considered logical, hut they mean another burden to neutral trade. It. is leaped that the latest, developments may loree Denmark to rearrange her trading, both to Britain and Germany. A me'ssago from The Hague quotes the Nienwe Rotlerdamsehe (intrant which says that if Britain really takes the measures threatened she. will he convicted of conduct which “is 'not only illegal and illogical hub will also display a serious hick 01. tact. Amsterdam reports that acting on I lie mllviee ol the 'Government, Dutch shipowner, s have cancelled all sailings from German ports. The Italian newspapers publish Air. Chamberlain’s announcement without, comment, hut give much space to the German piracy allegations. Tho British decision was expected, hut the speed with whit'll it was made caused surprise in Rome. A Bucharest message stales that Rumanian businessmen are oi the opinion that Britain s decision maj result in increased economic pressure on Rumania.