SUBMAINE CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 February 1917, Page 5

SUBMAINE CAMPAIGN.

SEIZURE OF INTERNED SHIPS. REGARDED AS AN ACT OF WAR. GERMANY'S CUNNING. Rotterdam, Feb. .8. The authorities in Berlin regard the seizure of ships by the United States as practically an act of war. German newspapers, including tbe scmi-olticial Frankfurt Gazette, prepare the public for war against America, which is regarded as certain. They urge Americans to remain in Germany, promising that they will not be molested if the United States does not molest German-Americans. Germany is thus seek'ng a free hand for her plotters and spies. DAMAGING VESSELS. PRECAUTIONS BY A GERMAN BANKER, New York, Feb. 8. It is reported that the Kronprinzessiii Cecilie (19,508 tons) was deliberately weakened by drilling holes in the frames amidships, and filling them with putty and blacklead. Experts say that she would break in two under ii moderate strain. Since the crisis the large balances in the German banks have been transferred quietly, mostly to South America. A million dollars in gold was shipped to-day for Argentina. Washington correspondents are less hopeful about the situation and the possibility of averting war. Two new factors, the sinking of the California and the report of the holding of Mr. Gerard as a hostage, are extremely disquieting, It is pointed out that the California was a passenger ship and that she was swik without warning. The fact that tin! one American who \.;is on board \va.-, saved was not due to the submarine's precautions, for she fired two.torpedoes at 200 yards. The Consul at Queenstown states that the loss of life may be greater than reported. GERMAN PLOTS DISCOVERED. Washington, Feb. 8. The discovery of plots to block the Panama Canal and Manila Harbor led the Government to take over all the German vessels (here. CONCERNING AMBASSADORS. Washington, Feb. 8. Britain and France have granted Count Bcrr.storlF a safe conduct. The story of the detention of Mr. Gerard followed the United Press direct message, and later there was official confirmation. The greatest interest hai been aroused in the country, and there is widespread indignation. Officials are inclined to attribute Germany's action to false reports of America's treatment of Count Bernstorff. They believe the matter is capable of adjustment. London, Feb. 8. Sir,. Gerard is about to receive his passports and may leave immediately. HOSTILITY TO~GERMAN3. New York, Feb. 8. At Grand Junction, Colorado, Socialists and pro-Germans attempted to hold a peace meeting, but it was broken up amid scenes of wild disorder. Germans are being weeded out of the coastguard and lighthouse services and the navy yards. SATISFACTORY IF GENUINE. New York, Feb. 8. The German-American National Alliance, claiming to represent three million German-Americans has endorsed Mr. Wilson's action and decided, in the event of hostilities, to form three regiments to fight for the American Union and to present to the American Red Cross the funds collected for German war relief. POST WAR BLACK-LISTING. (United Press) Washington, Feb. 8. Officials declare that, as the result of neutrals' protests and the America., break, Germany will be commercially black-listed after the war unrt be an outlaw amongst nations. BELGIANS DEPRIVED OF RELIEF. London, Feb. 8. . The British steamer Explorer (7(10(5 tons) and the Corsioan Prince (2771! tc.s) have been sunk; also the Belgian relief ship Euphrates. The Neutral Commission for Belgian Relief has now held up all relief ships. Twenty per cent, of the food for the invaded areas in Belgium and France was imported from England. Eight relief ships with 26,000 tons of food are detained in English ports. There are no survivors from the Euphrates. THE PORT ADELAIDE. London. Feb. 7. The Admiralty reports that the Port Adelaide, which was carrying passengers from London to Australia, was torpedoed without warning on Saturday. The passergers were landed at Vigo. The Peruvian, which sailed for London was submarined on Monday in Spanish territorial waters. The Admiralty comments that these incidents emphasise the withdrawal of Geimany's pledge given to the United ' States not to sink any passenger ship vilr.mit warning and alio their claim for consideration of neutrals. CLAIM OVER SINKING THE HORTON. New York. Feb. 8. The Peruvian Government has informed its Ambassador in Berlin to make an official claim for the sinking of the Horton. BRAZIL CLOSES~HER PORTS. Rio-de-Janeiro, Feb. 8. / The .Government has decided not to accept Germany's blockade, and has ordered all ports to be closed at sunset to prevent vessels escaping. With few exceptions, sailings continue as usual.