GERMANY’S PROCLAMATION.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 135, 10 February 1915, Page 5

GERMANY’S PROCLAMATION.

ITS EFFECT ON SHIPPING. I, THE COPPER SUPPLY. (Reed 8.25 a.ra.) LONDON, Feb 9.

The majority of American newspapers regard the Lusitania’s hoisting of a false flag as a blunder likely to create mere commotion than the Germans’ proclamation. They say that when you come to consider the act it makes the flag worthless as a protection to American ships.

The text of the German blockade memorandum says that neutrals are .acquiescing in Britain’s acts as they have not succeeded in inducing Britain to restore to Carmans the -property seized in violation of international laws. Neutrals have also in certain directions aided the British in measures that are irreccnciliable with freedom cf the sea, obviously under British pressure. They have hindered the transit of goods intended for peaceful purposes. Germany later expects that neutrals will show the same consideration for her vital interests as for England’s.

A leading copper authority estimates that Germany uses 309 tons of eepper daily in ammunition making. She would therefore require to import. 72,000 tons yearly 'to maintain the supply of cartridges and shells. The price in Germany has increased 200 per cent, since {he commencement of the war. ALL SHIPS IN BRITISH WATERS. CONTRABAND OR NON-CONTRA-BAND. GERMANY THREATENS TO SINK. (Reed 8.45 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, Feb 8. German newspapers state that if America acquiesces in the Lusitania’s misuse of their flag it will be impossible for German warships to ascertain whether ships were neutral or not. It would be sheer suicide for submarines to make I eng investigations. There will be no question of contraband or non-contraband in British waters after the 18th. THE GOEBEN. ■ —•—— LONDON, Feb. 9. English refugees at Constantinople state that the Goeben is damaged beyond local repair,—Times and- Sydney Sun Services.