America

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 198, 29 January 1915, Page 5

America

HOLLWEG'S SUBTLETY. • TURNING THE TABLES ON BRITAIN New York January 27. Herr von Bethmann-Hollwegg, interviewed nt headquarters in the North of France on Sir E. Grey's reply to the American No! <;, declared that Sir E. Grey 'intended the reply to stand as a record of England's magnanimity. He inserted a paragraph in which the question of permitting shipments of foodstuffs not intended for the armies of the enemy was left open. While condemning others for the abandonment of the rules of civilisation and humanity Britain set out to starve sixty-five millions directly by cutting off food supplies indirectly, and closing the arteries of commerce. English diplomacy sought to mould a precedent that might serve for the day when her control of the sea might not be absolute.

He assailed the nicety of British scruples with regard to the Hague Convention, affirming that under The Hague rulings a blockade should be declared against neutrals, which, however, had not been done, because England was powerless to enforce it. The coast of Belgium had been bombarded and civilians' homes wrecked by the British fleet, yet by some mastery over public opinion the world shook with horror when a hostile fleet successfully bombarded English towns equipped with defences, and dirigibles threw bombs on the fortified town of Yarmouth and warded off an attack from below. GERMAN POOD SUPPLIES CUT OFF. BY GOVERNMENT'S CONTROL OF CEREALS, v Received 28, 11,20 p.m. JSiew York, January 28. The opinion is generally held that as the German Government is confiscating wheat supplies, the Government may now be regarded as sole importers, justifying the Allies in seizing every food ship, under whatever flag. Breitung, the Dacia's owner, bought the vessel for £33,060, considerably under her value, with the stipulation that she must not be used in trade with Franco-British ports. Breitung insured her at Hamburg. THE DACIA INCIDENT. Paris, January 27. Le Temps discussing the Dacia incident, says the Germans thought to put Anglo-American relations to the test and to guard against the effects of the blockade which is stopping the provisioning of Germany. One can hardly believe the futile and mischievious efforts to stir up trouble between John Bull and Uncle Sam. SUBLIME NEUTRALITY. Washington, January 27. President Wilson| congratulated the Kaiser on his birthday, cordially wishing his welfare. The Republican press is asking if this is a breach of neutrality. Times and Sydney Services. London, January 27. The Times' Washington correspondent says that President Wilson is more than ever determined to pass the Ship Purchase Bill. His action is backed by a strong body of Oppositionists. Washington, January 27. The German Government's commandeering of cor n is regarded in official circles as preventing the owner of the Wilhelmina conveying supplies destined for Germany.