ARMED MERCHANTMEN.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 31, 23 September 1914, Page 3

ARMED MERCHANTMEN.

DECISION OF UNITED STATES AFFECTING BELLIGERENTS.

[By Elrotbio Telegbaph— Ooptbight] PJNITHD PbKBB AMOOIATION.] (Received 9.55 a.m.) London. Snntomber 22.

Router's Now York correspondent states that the United States lias decided that merchantmen of belligerent nations entering ports may carry guns not exceeding six-inch for defence, without acquiring the charter of ships of war. The guns must not he mourned forward and onl ya little ammunition will he allowed to be carried. The vessel must be manned by the same number as before the war.

GERMAN PROPHECIES.

"JAPAN ONLY A MAKE-BELIEVc

ALLY OF ENGLAND."

In the beginning of last May f he German Admiral Breusing, speaking at Stuttgart, made the following prophecies : "When the war comes our position will be most favourable. Our destroyer and torpedo craft cannot fail lo cause tremendous damage to the British ships, for we are used to nig'it attacks. Further, the enemy will have great difficulties to provide themselves with ammunition, while we shall have r.urs on hand.

"The moment will then come when many British ships being destroyed by our guns, many others detained in far distant seas, for the protection of British trade, the two fleets will he equal in numbers. From that moment I can confidently say the advantage will be on oiir side. "Our torpedo boats, our guns, our shooting, all is far superior tn wheat is done in England at present. Our guns can do terrific harm at ten miles' distance, and the British fleet will he disabled'before thoy even have been able to attempt to fight us. "Italy will have a double task. Her fleet will neutralise the French fleet m the Mediterranean, and her army will invade Egypt. The Italian fleet will be able to keep the French under coatrol; even without the assistance of the new Austrian Dreadnoughts. As to her army, she has some 100,000 men in Tripoli, which she can easily send into Egypt to exterminate the we-ik English garrison (some 15,000 menstationed there.

"Then Japan is only a make-believe friend and ally of England.' The Mikado's Government is 'tired' of England's proceedings, and only 'oo anxious to shake off the British yoke. Thero is no doubt that, in case of a European war, the Japanese fleot will sail to Australia, and seize both the Commonwealth and New Zealand."