Burning of Louvain

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 11, 31 August 1914, Page 5

Burning of Louvain

NO ATONEMENT FOR BREACH.OF

INTERNATIONAL LAW.

Washington, August 29

The Belgian Minister conferred with Mr Bryan, secretary of State, protesting against the destruction of Louvain. The Minister calleci the United States’ attention to the outrage, which was unequalled in the world’s history.

Berlin, August 29

The Yossische Zeitung states that Louvain was destroyed because the whole population fired on the Geimans, and women from the roofs poured boiling oil on Germans. Ostend, August 29.

Three Belgian Ministers have gone to the United States on a mission to President Wilson. It is believed they will urge action in connection wiht tho violation of international law.

London, August 29

The Press Bureau says the destruction of Louvain was an unpardonable act of barbarity and vandalism. H can only be supposed that in a desire to conceal the facts and cover the blunder of his own men, the German commander seized upon the first idea occurring to him as an excuse for an act unparalleled in the history of civilisation. Louvain was miles from the fighting. International law recognises as the only legitimate aim of war the weakening of the enemy’s army. The rules forbid ,the destruction or seizure of property not imperatively called for military necessities. By destroy mg Loiwain the G er-, man have committed a crime for which them cam be no atonement. Humanity diisi suffered a loss can never be repaired.

GERMAN ACTS OF REVENGE.

Copenhagen, August 29

General Von der Goltz, German Military Governor of Belgium, holds Cardinal Jannseii and 15 priests as hostages. They are to be shot mediately if’a single shot idi -fifed against the Germans. The destruction of Louvain is fully confirmed.

Refugees state that the Germans are chagrined owing to their defeat of Tuesday, when it was necessary to cover up their comrades’ mistake. They commenced pillaging, destroying, and expelling the inhabitants at the point of the bayonet. The nuudered include an English and an American clergyman. The buildings destroyed include the magnificent Cathedral and the University library.

The Berliner Tageblatt announces that Louvain has been bitterly punished for the civilian uprising. Amsterdam, August 29.

After the firing of Louvain, 72 residents were handcuffed and marched to Carapenhont, where they were made to witness the shooting of seven priests. The prisoners were subsequently driven as a screen before the German soldiers across country, and released when they neared the i outposts. One refugee asserts that the Burgomaster at Louvain and a number of notables were shot.

“GERMAN TRADITIONS.”

(Received 8.40 a.m.) New York, August 80

Count Bernstotf has issued another statement, in' which' he describes as absolutely shameful the allegation that German soldiers were guilty of cruelty. The traditions of the German army placed it above this. If, however, the civilian population joined in the fighting, as in Belgium, it was impossible to avoid killing women and children. German soldiers had been shot in the back and the German wounded mutilated, and doctors and nurses had been shot at. Retaliation, therefore, was unavoidable.