SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 February 1917, Page 5

SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN.

AMERICAN PREPARATIONS. NEGOTIATIONS WITH AUSTRIA. New York, Fob. 5. Mr. Wilson \va; in consultation with the Secretaries of War and the Navy to-day concerning preparedness measures. The President cancelled invitations for an army and navy reception nt the White House to-morrow night, because of the rush of work. ft is reported that negotiations are proceeding between America and Austria to induce Austria not to endorse Gc-r----mni.v's submarine position, thus not compelling the breaking off of relations-, am! also influencing Germany to reconsider her position. London, Feb. .'.. Reports from Paris ih.ii America has broken with appear preniatrre. Latest Washington advices state that diplomatic relations with Austria hang on a slender thread GUARDING LAS PALMAS HARJ2OR, DISTRESS IX CANARIES. T.<,niL»i, Feb. 5 The Madrid corespondent of the Daily Telegraph states that n Spanish cruiser is stationed at the mouth of Las Palmas Harbor to prevent the esonpe of interned Gorman and Austrian ships. The authorities have forbidden vessels to enter or depart from -he harbor after sunset There is a strong anti-Gorman feeling throughout the Canaries, where distress is prevalent owing to the stopping of the exportation of fruit. There are 30.11'!!) unemployed in -Virand Canary alone. The price of food has risen 200 per cent, PRKSS COMMENTS LV AUSTROGEIiMANY. Amsterdam. Feb. 5. The German censors released I.'>e new., of President Wilson's action on Monday to Berlin newspapers, who are commenting soberly. The Cologne Zeitung says the rupture is regrettable and is the first step towards war. but Ist Mr. Wilson not imagine we will hesitate. Vienna is calm and newspapers arc confident that the Anstro-German preparations against America are adequate. German newspapers publish a declarator by the War Minister (General von Stein) warning timid souls that the only peace possible is peace bv battle. Everyone must prepare for that. "All we have inherited from our ancestors and all wo have added thereto, ali that is German is now at stake. Wo must all stand together for victory by aims." SPANISH OPINION. . NEUTRALS SUFFER FOR GERMANY Times Service. Madrid, Feb. 5. The German Note was a stunning and unexpected blow to Spain. Ministerial ! organs describe it as an attempt to blackmail neutrals into saving Germany by securing a favorable peace. The clerical, reactionary and Germanic press endeavor to belittle ruthless submarining, but shipping is paralysed and every industry is affected. Pro-Germans are spreading reports that Germnay is willing to purchase ethe Spanish orange crop, to establish fruit-preserving industries and sell her interned steamers to Spain. THE POSITION IN AMERICA. ANXIOUS TO PRESERVE PEACE. New York, Feb 5. Henry Ford lias offered his factories to the Government in the event of war for operation Without profit. While the President is still anxious to preserve peace he is determined thai; the first overt act will mean war. Congress is rushing all preparedness plans. The Government is considering the question of convoying the American line. Wall Street is buoyant, the market showing it is prepared to stand the strain on the United States. Steel led the general advance, desjute an attempt- to "bear'' it. American shipping companies say they would rather have their ships sunk than consent to decorate them with the grotesque signs which Germany suggests in order to secure their immunity. ANOTHER HUN CRUELTY. ■BELGIAN RELIEF CUT OFF. New York, February 5. Germany lias informed the Belgian ">- lief Commission that she will no longer respect its ships unless they take a, course for Holland, north of the new German war zone. Mr. Hoo9ter states that the combined Rritish and German minefields completely cut off the approaches to the route mentioned. THE LATEST VICTIMS. London, February 5. The Spanish steamers Bucon ' (2434 tons) and Noviembre (2300 tons), the Greek vessel Helicon (llGfi Aonsi and several smaller ships have been sunk. The British ship Isle of Arran has also been sunk. JAPAN PLEASED. Tokio.Feb. 5. The United tSates' decision has caused widespread rejoicing in Japan. COUNT OKUMA HITS THE MARK. Tokio, Feb. 5. Count Okuiua says that if America participates in the war she will prob■l;'y farce Ger«""<y to surrender.