America

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 33, 10 February 1915, Page 5

America

THE GERMAN SHIPPING BLOCKADE. PERTINENT NEWSPAPER QUESTIONS. United Press Association. New York, February 9. The newspapers generally ciystallise America’s position in regard to Germany’s threat by asking what Germany would do if American ships, convoyed by battleships, demand a passage through Germany’s paper blockade. If Britain threatens Germany with starvation, why doesn’t the German navy destroy the British fleet? If Germany is unable to keep her supply routes open, why should neutrals embroil themselves with the Allies by allowing Germany to dictate where their ships shall travel? What right has Germany, because she is unable to blockade Britain or destroy her navy, to threaten to sink neutrals ?

AN ADMISSION OF BLUNDER.

Times and Sydney Sun Service, London, February 9,

The Times, in a leader, says that Germany’s promise not to molest American food-laden vessels is a very important admission that a blunder was made.

A naval correspondent writes: “Germany has not yet felt the effect of a real blockade, but the time has surely come when she should be taught what it means. If we decided to blockade Germany effectively we assist neutrals as well as ourselves and our Allies. There is no question that it could be done by making fuller use of our naval power.” MOVEMENT BY NEUTRALS. Rome, February 9. Neutrals are exchanging pourparler - concerning Germany’s blockade. AMERICAN NEWSPAPER OPINION. (Received 8.25 a.m.) London, February 9. The majority of American newspapers regard the Lusitania’s hoisting of the flag as a blunder, which will create more commotion than the Germans’ proclamations when they come to consider that it makes the flag worth less as a protection to American ships. The text of the German blockade memorandum contains neutrals’ acquiescence to Britain’s acts, but they have not succeeded in inducing Britain to restore to the Germans any of the property seized in violation of international laws. Neutrals, also, in certain directions, aided British measures, which were irreconcilable with the freedom of the sea. They were obviously under British pressure and hindered the transit of goods intended for peaceful purposes in Germany, and the, latter expects neutrals to show the same consideration for her vital interests as England’s.

“SHEER SUICIDE FOR SUB'

MARINES."

(Received 8.15 a.m.) Amsterdam, Febrnaiy 9

German newspapers state that if America acquiesces in the Lusitania’s misuse of the flag, it will be impossible for a German warship to ascertain whether ships are neutral or not. It would be-sheer suiside for submarines to make long investigations. There will be no question of contraband or non-contraband in British waters after the 18th. NEUTRALS AS ACCESSORIES TO BRITAIN. Amsterdam, February 9The newspaper Hevolk stares: “The German memorandum betrays a tendency to stamp neutrals as accessories to Britain’s hostile acts aga.nst

Germany, and the danger of war is again threateningly near.”

GERMAN MISUSE OF THE FLAG

(Received 11.25 a.m.)

New York, February 9

Newspapers recall the fact that the Hamburg Amerika steamer Bohsmia entered New York on August Toth flying tlie British Flag and 'Vbice Star colors, thus deceiving the Ornish warships.