With the Fleets.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 228, 5 March 1915, Page 5

With the Fleets.

KING'S MESSAGE TO THE FLEET. UPHOLDS BRITAIN'S TRADITIONS. Received 4, 10.30 p.m. London, March 4. The King sent a message to Vice-Ad-miral Sir John Jcllicoe: "I am much impressed with the efficiency of the Grand Fleet, and the splendid spirit of the officers and men. I have not the slightest doubt that my navy will uphold its great traditions."

GERMANY PROPOSES A BARGAIN. BRITAIN MUST NOT TOUCH FOOD SHIPS. BUT GERMANY DOES AS SHE LIKES. Amsterdam, March 3. The United States Note hopes that Gerriiany and Britain by reciprocal concessions may discover a basis for an understanding which will free neutrals ships from serious dancers. This suggestion is not a proposal, but the United States takes the liberty of a sincere friend, actuated bv the desire for service in the interests of humanity. Any agreement would be a modus vivendi based more on suitableness than legal right under intf riiation.il law. The Note sug'».'<ts that !!•> isolated drifting mines be laid, that fII mines hear a Government mprk aril he so constructed as to Ware li*nnl"«s if the" break loose from their anchorage. It suggests that the mercantile ships of both parties do not employ neutrals flags and that :Br'tai:i agree that foodstuffs lie not included in .-hsolute contraband nor hold up cargo* addressed to agencies in Germany, the names of which have been communicated to the United States for the purpose of landing goods to licens -d German retailers for exclusive distribution to the civil population. The German reply sees in the American suggestion a new proof of friendly feeling. The suggestions correspond with Herman wishes that the naval war jjhould be waged according to rules, tailing into consideration the interests of neutrals as well as the laws of humanity. The observance of the Declaration of (London by Germany's enemies would create a new situation. It was not practicable for the belligerent Powers fully to renounce the employment of anchored mines for offensive purposes. Germany was willing that her submarines should only employ fora against merchantmen for purposes search and if hostile nationality or the presence of contraband was 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 Germany suggested that the regulation should include indirect importation via neutral ports. Hostile Governments would have to allow frce« passage for German raw materials \<iCiikNhl in the free list in the Declaration of London and treat foodstuffs and rll materials contraband in the !ist as conditional contraband.

The Note concludes that the effects on neutral shipping would be substantially diminished if the importation of war material from neutrals to belligerents was stopped. The adoption of a definite attitude must be postponed until the British reply has been received.

ALLIES REPLY TO AMERICA. Times and Sydney Run Services. London, March 3, A Washington correspondent states that the Allies' plan of retaliation for the German blockade lias been submitted to the State Department in the form of a joint Xote. It makes clear that while the Allies do not propose to copy German method-; of piracy and murder it is impossible for them to maintain tlie traditional form of maritime warfare. Tlie Anglo-French Note, announcing reprisals against Germnnv, has been favourably received by the Italian press, which declares it will be a lesson to Germany, which has been forgetful of international treaties. Numbers of Italian shipowners have arrived at Marseille* to purchase the old sailing ships which were lving in the docks. Thev state that Italy is la vim,' m foo.l supplies and wishes to use' 'lie ships as depots. ADMTIIAL STCI'TiKF.'K SIGNAL. London. March I'rior to engaging the Germans o!T the Falkland-;. Admiral Sfnrdie sent ;i ".-iH— age. ••(;.„! Save fl,e Kim/." 'lie- --n.,1 v-.., ivp,l l,v overv 4i,„