Official

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 58, 24 October 1914, Page 5

Official

THE SUEZ CANAL.

Wellington. October 23

The Prime Minister has received the following cable, dated London, October 22, evening:— Offiical: The Government has issued a notification in the following terms

to representatives of foreign maritime j Powers :—Since the outbreak of wa r •certain ships of enemy countries have remained in the Suez Canal. Some iof these vessels are detained by the I Egyptian Government on account of j hostile acts committed in the Canal, land some because there was reason Ito apprehend that they only contemplated hostile acts. Others, though perfectly free, refused to leave the Canal, in spite of an offer of a free pass, thus disclosing the intention to as ports of.refuge. The British Government do not admit that the conventional right of free access,to and use of the Canal enjoyed by merchant vessels implies the right to make use of the Canal and its ports of> access for an indefinite time to escape capture, since it is obvious that the result of permitting such a course must incommode and block the use of ports and the Canal by other ships. They are consequently of opinion that the Egyptian Government is fully justified in the steps taken to remote from the Canal all enemy ships which have been long enough in the Canal and its ports to show clearly tha't they have no intention of departing in the ordinary way.

NAVY ASSISTS LAND FORCES.

London, October 23

Official: On the 18th instant requests for naval assistance were made to the Admiralty by the Allies' commanders. In consequence, a naval flotilla, mounting a large number of powerful long-range guns, came into action at daybreak on the 19th off the Belgian coast, supporting the left of the Belgian army, and firing against the right of the German attack 3 which they wore, by their position, able to enfilade. , The Germans replied by shells from heavy guns, but, owing to the superior range of the British marine artillery, practically no damage was done. A heavy bombardment of the German flank was maintained without intermission since the morning of the 19th, and continued to-day. Observation is arranged from the shore by means of naval balloons. All reports indicate that substantial losses have been inflicted upon the enemy. The fire was well directed and effective against his batteries of heavy guns. Yesterday a considerable explosion, probably, of an ammunition waggon, followed upon a naval shot. The naval losses so far are very small, considering the damage done and the important assistance rendered to the Belgian left flank. Reports receivad by the Admiralty show the courage with which the Belgian army, animated by the King in person, is defending the last few inches of Belgian soil.

Submarine E 3 is considerably overdue. It is feared that sbe was sunk in the North Sea, presumably on the 18th inst.