On the Sea

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 52, 4 March 1915, Page 5

On the Sea

THE BLOCKADE

THE AMERICAN NOTE.

London, March 3

Beater's Amsterdam correspondent reports that the American Note of the 22nd February proposed that within gunfire of harbors, submarines are not to attack merchant ships, except for the purposes of search; Britain ,to agree not to hold up foodstuffs address, ed the agencies in Germany which distribute exclusively to the civil population. , Germany replies that she is prepared not to employ drifting mines, and that submarines will only be employed in search. The suggested regulation of food supplies was generally acceptable, but should include fodder and raw material for manufactures.

WAITING FOR BRITAIN.

THE U.S.A. NOTE AND CER-

MANY'S REPLY.

United Press Association. (Received 8.10 a.m.) Amsterdam, March 3,

The "United States' Note hopes that Germany and Britain in their reciprocal concessions may discover a basis of understanding which will free neutral ships from serious dangers. This suggestion is not a proposal, but the United States takes the liberty in the position of a sincere friend, and as one actuated by a desire for service in the interests of humanity. Any agreement will be a modus vivendi based more upon suitableness than legal right under international law. The Note suggests that no isolated or drifting mines be laid, and that all mines should bear the Government mark, and be constructed so as to become harmless if they break loose from the anchorage.

It suggests that the mercantile ships of both parties do not employ neutral flags; that Britain should agree that foodstuffs be not included in absolute contraband; that she should not Uphold cargoes addressed to agencies in Germany, the names of which have been communicated to the United States for the purpose of landing goods for licensed German retailers for exelusive distribution among the civil population.

GERMANY'S REPLY. The German reply sees in the. American suggestion a new proof of friendly feelings. Their suggestions correspond •to the German wishes that the naval war be waged according to tlie rules which take into consideration the iu- .'■ terests of neutrals Us well as of humanity. The observance of the Declaration of&London by Germany's enemies would create a new situation. It was not practicable for belligerent Powers to fully renounce the employment of anchored mines for an offeriY sive purpose. She was willing that

German submarines should only employ force against merchantmen for the purposes of search. If they are of hostile nationality and the presence of contraband is proved, the submarines would proceed according to general international rules. It was obvious that hostile merchantmen must not be armed, and should refrain from offering resistance regarding the importation of food. It is suggested the regulation should include indirect importation via neutral ports. Hostile Governments would have to allow free passage to German raw materials included in the free list in the Declaration of London, and treat foodstuffs and all materials contained in the list as -conditional contraband. The Note concludes: "The effects upon neutral shipping will be substantially diminished if the importation of war material from neutrals to belligerents is stopped. The adoption of a tlefinite attitude must be postponed until the British reply is received."

CRITICAL AMERICAN OPINION.

New York, March 3

American opinion is highly critical of Mr Asquith's declaration, which many regard as tantamount to a paper blockade.

The Times and Tribune consider the Government ought to try to hold the Allies to the accepted forms of blockade, in the interest of neutrals.

JUSTIFYING THE ACTION OF GERMAN SUBMARINES. (Received 10.15 a.m.) Amsterdam, March 3. A report is being circulated- that a private yacht fired on the German submarine W2l in St. George's Channel. The statement was possibly promulgated at Germany's desire to justify the actions of their submarines in sinking everything.

THE ESSENCE OF THE BLOCKADE (Received 1015 p.m. ) Amsterdam, March 3. Tho Cologne Gazette, commencing on Mr Asquith's speech, demands' the destruction of all goods destined for England, ''which wants war and shall have it!"-' LESSON TO GERMANY ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS. Times and Sydney Sun • (Received 8 a.m.) London, March 3. The Anglo-French Note announcing reprisals against Germany was favourably received by the Italian press, which declares that it will be a lesson to Germany, who has been forgetful of international treaties.

OLD SAILING SHIPS AS DEPOTS FOR FOOD SUPPLIES.

(Received 8 a.mT) London. March 3

Numbers of Italian shipowners have arrived at Marseilles to purchase the old sailing ships lying in the docks. They state that Italy is laying in food supplies, and wishes to use the ships as depots. ______——

AUSTRIAN WARSHIPS BOMBARD ANTIVARI.

CIVILIANS KILLED AND WOUND ED.

(Received 11.50 a.m.) Cettinge, March .3

Official: Five Austrian warships entered Antivari and bombarded the port and town, the Royal yacht being sunk. Large valuable stores were burnt, a civilian willed, and several wounded.

THE STATUS OF THE DARDANELLES. RUSSIA'S FREE PASSACE. (Received 9.30 a.m.) London, March 3. The Paris Le Temps states that an agreement has been reached between France, Britain, and Russia regarding the future status of the Dardanelles. It is proposed to give Russia a free passage.

BOMBARDMENT OF DARDAN-

ELLES RESUMED.

(Received 8.55 a.m.)

London, March 3.

Paris reports that the bombardment of the Dardanelles has been resumed.

CONTRABAND AT COPENHAGEN.

(Received 11.50 a.m.) Copenhagen, March 3

A quantity of provisions and metal was found on four German tugs in the roadstead. The crews were arrested.

THE DACIA AS A PRIZE. Times and Sydney Sun Serviob Loudon, March 3

A correspondent says official Washington awaits the decision of the French prize court with regard to the Dacia before moving. If France fails to recognise the validity of the transfer it is reasonably sure that a protest will be filed. The owner of the Dacia professes'indifference to the decision., and says he expected the seizure by the French.

GERMAN "DUMMY" CORPORATION. Times and Sydney Sun Service. London, March 3. Investigations at New York show that German shipping agents are using a dummy corporation for the purposes of coaling and provisioning German raiders in the Atlantic, evading the law by means of false clearance papers and manifests.

ALLIES' RETALIATION PLAN.

TRADITIONAL MARITIME WARFARE IMPOSSIBLE. Times and Sydney Sun Service. (Received 8 a.m.) London, March 3. A Washington correspondent states that the Allies' plan for retaliation on the German blockade was submitted to the State Department in the form of ."a Joint Note, which makes,it clear that, while the Allies do not propose to copy the German methods of piracy and murder, it is impossible for them to maintain traditional maritime war-

PRECAUTIONS ON SHIP BOARD

Times and Sydney Sun Service (Received S a.m.)

London, March' 3

Passengers by the Lusitania for New York were required to identify' each piece of luggage before it was hoisted on to the "ship in order to satisfy the officers as to identity. Before passing the guards on the gangways, the luggage was scrutinised so as to prevent the smuggling of infernal machines.

THE DOGGER BANK ENGAGEMENT. United Press Association. London, March 3. Vice-Admiral Sir, David Beatty reports: "I was patrolling Southampton, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Lo\yestoft, disposed to port of the battlecruisers, with the Arethusa, Aurora, and Undaunted and destroyer flotillas ahead. The flash of guns was observed at 7.25, and the Aurora reported "engaging the enemy." I altered the course and increased the speed to twenty-two knots. Throughout the fight the light cruisers maintained touch with the enemy, and kept nt'e fully informed. We were ready to attack any vessel which might fall out of the enemy's line. The wind was light, and there was extreme visibility. The enemy was seen steaming fast, steer- 1 iug'to the south-east, at a distance of fourteen miles. We settled down into a long stern chase. By nine o'clock we were within twenty thousand yards of the rear ships. The Lion made the opening hit on the Blucher, which was fourth in the line. The Tiger opened fire on the rear ship, and the enemy returned our fire at 9.14. Soon the New Zealand was engaging the Blucher, which dropped astern with a heavy list. , The Princess Royal attacked the third ship in the line, which was afire by 9.45. Our cruisers and destroyers gradually manoeuvred away in order not to foul the battle cruisers' range with smoke, but the enemy's destroyers threatening to attack the Meteor and the M division passed ahead, Captain Meade handling the division with conspicuous ability. The enemy's destroyers emitted vast columns of smoke to screen their battleships. The excellent steaming of the British ships was a conspicuous feature of the action. Aboard the New Zealand, Engi-neer-Commander Turner and Chief En. ' gine-room Artificer Dandare mentioned i" despatches, and Chief Stoker

James Sims received a distinguishes service medal.

TWO IMPORTANT DESPATCHES. London, Maveli 'V Sir Frederick fifciivdee'a ral Sir David Bcatty's

despatches on the Falkland* and North Sea engagements have been issued. Admiral Beatty states that his squadron reached a speed of 23J knots,and that particular credit is due to the gunners of the New Zealand and the Indomitable, The only ships hit were the Lion and Tiger.

Prisoners state that six hundred of the Gneisenau's men had been killed or wounded when the ammunition was expended.