THE GERMAN FLEET

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1916, Page 6

THE GERMAN FLEET

CONVINCED TEUTONS MEAN TO USE IT

COMMENTS ON RUMORS OF ACTIVITY AT KIEL

London, February »,

The Copenhagen correspondent of the Daily Mail says Arehdu'/.e Chavle.3 Stephen, chief of the Austrian navy, has arrived at Berlin with his staff.

His errand, according to the despatch, is to confer with Prince Henry of Prussia and Graof Admiral von T.irpitz on plans for closer unity in naval action between the Central Powers.

The Daily Mail naval correspondent points out that the naval conference at Berlin concurs with the reports of intense activity in the German fleet. While admitting that, it may be intended to mislead Germany's enemies, hj? remarks that it is possible this activity is a preliminary to a serious attempt. For a severe Wow against the Allies at sea, be suggested three conceivable moves on the part of the German fleet: First—An attack on the Allies', flank in Flanders, risking destruction by tile Britirh flee*,, the Austrian fleet meanwhile taking the offensive <ir attempting to leave the Mediterranean: Second—To n:ake a dash for fho Mediterranean to join the Anstrians and strike at the Suez Canal, at the saau time that a land attack is lr.nnehed. Third—To havq bath fleets undertake minor raid], av.cn as Adminl Beatty frustrated a year ago, attacking exposed points on tip Allies' c«.»ts ai.d clipping a number of Mocwes through the lines to raid commerce. The writer does not think that th? second move against the Suez Cantil is likely, but he is convinced that Germany menhs to use her fleet.

"So long as the German navy remains in existence," he says, "c« long it mvst be a source of de.ngei. H is certain the Germans will ds their utmost to incrense the strength of th»ir fleet by building new ships and re-arming old ones. If Germany could win cemmar.d of tna sea, she could end the war at a stroke. The stake is such an immense one that she would pay'svr.y price to make the effort to gain it."