THE SEAMEN'S BOYCOTT OF GERMANY.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 December 1917, Page 6

THE SEAMEN'S BOYCOTT OF GERMANY.

"SPIES IN CARDIFF." London, Nov. 3. ■ A largely attended meeting at Cardiff on Sunday organised by the recently founded Merchant Seamen's League passed a resolution asking British employers to refuse to employ any Germans either on land or sea after the war, requesting the public to refuse to buy Gorman goods and desiring all master mariners to refuse to salute or recognise the German flag on the high seas or in any port abroad. the boycott to continue for two years after peace, and one month's boycott be added for every crime hereafter committed by the Germans. Admiral Lord Beresford, in supporting the resolution, said they had heard talk of negotiations, but it was impossible to negotiate with liars. What we should say was: —"You do so and so, or there are five million bayonets to compel you." (Cheers). We ought to convince the enemy that the longer he fought and went on committing crimes against all international law, the smaller he would become in power and in money. He demanded the internment of all aliens, declaring "you may call it the 'Hidden Hand' or what you like, but there has been something going on in this country which has not been to our advantage, but has been an advantage to the enemy."

Sir Edward Nicholl (the chairman) caused some sensation by saying: "We have undoubtedly spies in Cardiff. T know there are aliens here to-day. To. this theatre T can see some of thein. Germans to-day arc walking round the dock's from Bristol to Swansea. They ought to be interned. It is a damned shame." (Loud cheers). Mr. J. Tlaveloek Wilson said the new Lea sue would not be confined to the United Kingdom. It had ramifications in every part of the British Empire, and steps were being taken to extend it to neutral countries. The audience rose and cheered heartily when attention was called to the presence of an American naval officer on the platform. .