THE GERMAN FLEET

Taranaki Daily News, 28 June 1919, Page 5

THE GERMAN FLEET

TRUSTING THE ENEMY. INTERNMENTmSTEAD OF SURRENDER. By Telegraph.—Press As9n.—Copyr'ght. London, June 22. Naval writers point out that we were not legally entitled to place armed guards on board the German fleet and the navy maintained this attitude of studious correctness.

It may have been folly, but it was the British tradition. At least one trawler was constantly drifting up and down the line of the interned warships, keeping watch that none of the German crews were allowed to leave the ships.

It would have seemed impossible that all the ships could settje down and sink without the British Admiral commanding the guardships guarding the entrances learning that something suspicious was on foot. Unless the Germans secretly smuggled infernal machines on board, which is doubtful, they probably prepared additional inlets for the water supplementing the ordinary Kingston valves, to accelerate the sinking. The German crews were relieved monthly and returned to Germany. They received all their rations from Germany. It is recalled that Admiral von Reuter, who was commanding the interned fleet, burst into tears complaining of Sr David Beatty's order to haul down the German flag on the ground that it Win not in keeping with the idea of chivahv between honorable opponents. Admiral von Beuter. after making an argent petition and pleading sickness, was permitted to return to Germany temporarily. This was interpreted as meaning that he was sick of Scapa Plow. His speedy return to the fleet Indicated that he was equally as dissatisfied with Germany. It is improbable that von Reuter planned the final eonp. The Admiralty has not disclosed What action will be taken.

Sir Cyprian Bridge, interviewed, suggests That the scuttling was' carried (rat «n<!er instructions received secretly from Berlin; the crews should he courtmartialled. The action shows that the Germans are still without a sense of honor and decency. This is a piece of gratuitous iniquity. The harm must be measured by the time, trouble and expense of raising them, because the ships must be cleared in order to clear the anchorage, although thev are not in the fairway. The whole affair is franklv dishonorable and intended as a direct insult.

Sir Percy Scott, interviewed, said: "Tt serves us , right for trusting the Huns. Throuhgoufthe war they have shown they are not a civilised race, but barbarians."

Another prominent Admiral says that the act exemplifles that the Germans Bre unworthv of our consideration; they did not refrain from treachery even when the fate of their Empire was in the balance.—Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assn. The Allies have decided to courtmartial von Reuter for breach of the armistice.

Paris, June 28. It is learned from an juthoritative source that when the armistice was arrived Britain asked for the surrender of the German ships. The French and Americans favored internment in a neirtral port. Marshal Foch urged that the armistice should be arranged without delay, pointing out that asking for the surrender of the ships might cause delay with consequent, great dailv loss Of life. The British realised the rea°onable chsracter of his arguments and accepted the compromise to intern the vessels at a British port.

CULPRITS TO BE PUNISHED. Received June 27, 8.30 p.m. Vancouver, June 25. The Allies have notified Germany of their intention to punish those guilty of sinking the fleet.—Aub.-NZ. Cable Assn.