Great Britian

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 83, 12 April 1915, Page 5

Great Britian

THE TIMES’ comment. POSITION OF THE DOMINIONS. Times and Sydney Sun Service. London, April 10. The Times, in a leader, says: “We are glad to liml that the question of participation hy the Dominions in the issues of peace and war is being gravely considered by many in this country. Letters received daily show that it is quite inconceivable that the Government will propose any terms of peace which they believe will not be approved by the mass of the public opinion of Britishers. To do so would be to challenge defeat and disgrace. As far as the Dominions’ peoples are concerned the Government need have no such personal concern. Doubtless they will do their best to satisfy the Dominions. but if they don’t they will not suffer. All that will happen will be that the loyal people of the Dominions will be faced with the most disheartening alternative —to acquiesce or to sever connection with the Empire. For them there is no middle way. That’s why we have tried again and again to impress on the Government the necessity for consulting the Dominions before peace is made.”

THE SPY MENACE.

SENSATIONAL EVIDENCE IN TRIAL IN LONDON, United Pbesi Association. London, April 10. Tho military authorities have already taken evidence regarding alleged spies, Kuepferle, Muller, and Hahn, and decided to refer the matter to tile civil courts. Probably Justice Reading will try the cases. A secret trial is expected in order to protect British anti-spy methods. Kuepferle’s case is of grave importance. He arrived from America, and was shadowed til! he arrived at a London hotel. Tt is alleged that all worked in conjunction, using similar methods. The recent Defence of the Realm Amendment Act established civil trials in camera, with powers hitherto reserved for courts-martial.

New York, April 10

The Sun’s London correspondent states that Kuepferle’s arrest reveals that New York is the centre of a German spy system against Britain. Kuepferle’s movements were carefully mapped out before he left New York. He accomplished bis mission in Britain in five days, though he had never been in Britain before. MISCELLANEOUS. London, April 10. The last three British lists have contained 1292 killed. 2583 wounded, and 146 missing. They include fifty-five Canadian casualties. The Birkenhead dockers have agreed to work. Mr Lloyd George and wine and spirit traders privately discussed the prohibition of wines and spirits. Tt Is understood that Mr. Lloyd George discussed the question of an •n? ,, fia*ed duty, but considering firs ineffective, was still inclined towards prohibition and requested further information. INHUMAN TREATMENT OF BRITISH PRISONERS. Lon Im, April 3 0 A White Paper has been issued dealing with the treatment of Biitish prisoners in Germany. It shows that Britain has constantly received proof of inhumanity, and protested to America. The American Ambassador and consuls in Germany frequently reported ill-treatment, insufficient clothing and food, harsh restrictions, cruelty to sick and wounded, and the savagery of the guards. A Russian doctor reported in December that British officers were treated worse than others, and openly insulted. A French priest saw the Germans kick British in the stomach and break guns over their backs. They were forced to sleep in marshy places, and many became consumptive. The British were almost starved. Thirty were so tortured that they asked to be shot.

Major Vandeleur, who escaped from Crefeld, reported that fifty-seven officers and men were packed, foodless into an unventilated horse waggon, in which was three inches of manure. They were unable to sit, and they remained there thirty hours. German officers and men brutally insulted them. The journey to Cologne lasted three days and nights, and they were given no food throughout. The oflicers were treated fairly well, sad .Major Crefeld, hut the soldiers treated harhariou-sly. They slept on sodden straw, which was unchanged for months, and were forced to do all menial and filthy work for other prisoners.

Mr Gerard, an American Ambassador, reported that British wounded at Docheritz needed medical attention and extra food. They received daily merely two cups of coffee and soup and one-third of a loaf. They had only one blanket. The German Government refused Mr Gerard’s request for more clothing.

Gther instances of brutality are given. Six civilians at RnhChen were sleeping in a space 10! feet square. Twenty-three officers near Magdeburg were herded together, and were gradually starving to death. Prisoners at Ulm wore prematurely aged. I he above story contrasts with the report ol Mr Jackson, of the American hnnhassy at Berlin, who visited

nine detention prisons and ships in Britain, where the food supplied was the same as to the British sailors* The Germans’ chief complaint was that there w r as too much beef and little pork, white instead of black bread, and insufficient fresh vegetables. Their health was good, and they were supplied with books and papers. The officers could purchase hot breakfasts and three-course dinners, and they purchased wines and delicacies.