On the Sea

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 31, 8 February 1915, Page 5

On the Sea

SUBMARINES AT ZEEBRUCCE. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8 a.in.) London, February G. It is reported that seven German submarines have arrived at Zeebrugge with the object of attacking the British transports. PULLING AUSTRALIA’S LEG. (Received 8 a.m.) . London, February G. The Times’ naval correspondent says that the announcement that H.M.A.S. Australia’* has sunk an armoured liner, though not intended for a hoax, has practically the same effect. The vessel H.M.A.S. Australia sank on January Gtli off Patagonia was Von Spree’s supply ship.

THE WRECK OF THE ASAMA.

United Press Association. London, February 6

It transpires that the Asama struck some rocks on the Californian coast during a heavy gale. The officers and crew were landed on Mexican soil, pending the arrival of other Japanese warships. It is unlikely that Mexico will intern the shipwrecked men, although she is entitled to do so. Washington, February G.

The Asama’s officers and men were saved, but the nows was kept secret in order to preserve the United States’ neutrality. American warships were told off to prevent a possible German attack, if the Dresden happened to be in the neighbourhood.

DYNAMITER’S ARREST WHILE CROSSING THE ATLANTIC.

Paris, February 6

In consequence of a wireless message warning, the captain of the Trans-Atlantique Company’s steamer Champagne arrested a German* passenger, who had five dynamite bombs in his possession. GALE ON THE ABERDEEN COAST London, February 6. A terrific gale was experienced on the Aberdeen coast. A salvage boat turned turtle, six being drowned and one imprisoned in the upturned hull. A boilermaker, by heroic efforts, made a hole in the plating, the oxygon apparatus being used, and the imprisoned man rescued. THE GERMAN BLOCKADE. London, February G. European neutrals are alarmed at the German blockade threat.

The Danish press declares that Germany has not furnished proof of Britain’s alleged misusing of neutral flags, and in any case this does not justify the menace to neutrals. Leading Norwegian newspapers as sort that Germany’s avowed reason is merely a pretext. The Dutch shipping companies have called a conference to consider the position.

The Copenhagen Nationatidente says that if the threat is carried out it will cause the utmost resentment among all neutral countries. The Rotterdam Nieuwe Courant says that Germany’s warning to neutral ships looks like a display of temper, and gives the impression of an anxiety horn of feebleness, which seeks to do in its ferocity what it lacks in power. The Times, in a lea lor, says the announcement of the German blockade is regarded in Britain merely as an outburst of temper and bravado, and a confession of strain and failure rather than as a token of confidence and determination. As far as it was intended to have frightened American shippers and coerce American opinion into subscribing to the view that the Germans were too terrible to be resisted, it has failed, like all other German efforts to gauge the character of the American people. The Times’ naval correspondent says tho German threat will be generally received with derision. These warnings, addressed to neutrals and ourselves, are also intended for home consumption, to put heart into the German people. For three months have German submarines wandered in tho Channel and around our coasts, intent on the very business that is now foreshadowed, but they have failed to seemire a single transport or to interfere in any way with ourselves and our Allies. The announcement really amounts to a confession that the submarines have failed to accomplish their mission. The vice-chairman of the Cunard line declares that Germany could not hope to blockade Britain unless she had a hundred times more submarines than she possesses.

NEUTRALS' OUTSPOKEN PROTESTS.

(Received 8.45 a.m.) London, February 7

Swedish and Dutch newspapers are very outspoken in protesting against Germany’s menace of the neutrals’ commerce. The Dagensliyhetor says: If Germany torpedoed a few neutral vessels she would soon discover that the neutral world would not stand such a thing. If the declaration portends real action, she is grossly blundering, and in any case, the neutrals cannot bo intimidated or overawed by threats.

Danish and Dutch shippers announce they are continuing trade as usual, relying on Britain’s measures to fully protect neutrals. NOTICE OF PROTESTS BY THE NEUTRALS. (Received 8.45 a.in.) Copenhagen, February 7.' The American Ambassador at Berlin ins informally announced an impending official protest. The Danish, Sweish, and .Norwegian Governments are 1 1 so making representations.