ACT OF REPRISAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 November 1939, Page 5

ACT OF REPRISAL

THE SEIZURE OF GERMAN EXPORTS PROMISE OF FAR-REACHING EFFECT. PROTECTION OF NEUTRAL INTERESTS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. November 21. In connect ion with the British intention lo lake reprisals, official circles in London point out the necessity, in view of the notorious lack of regal'd for truth of German propaganda, for emphasising the fact that his Majesty’s Government has not the slightest intenl ion of interfering with genuinely neutral seaborne exports. It is in no sense its desire to interfere will) purely neutral trade.

Mr Chamberlain’s announcement has met by anticipation the demand for action which indignant public opinion was already beginning to formulate.

So far, in the present war, German exports in neutral vessels have no', been subject to interference, and Germany has made.great efforts to maintain her exports overseas so as to obtain foreign exchange with which tc pay for essential war imports from those sources, access to which is no. already cut off by the British contraband control. The further measure of economic pressure now to be applied to Germany has very considerable significance. Ono effect will be to place her under the necessity of furnishing tc those countries from which she is still able to import without interference of Allied contraband control those kinds of goods which they themselves require or are prepared to accept. Britain’s form of retaliation is appreciated when it is remembered that the essential purpose of the Nazi methods of sea warfare was to furthei the “blockade" of Britain by intimidating neutral shipping. NAZI ALLEGATIONS. The indiscriminate sowing of German mines was heralded by a repeated warning to neutral shipping from Nazi sources of the danger of approaching the British coast, and ol allegations that shipping losses by mines were due to mine-laying outside British ports and the dangerous reduction in the width of clear channels. These allegations, which are without a vestige of justification, were based on the insinuation that such action had been taken as a result of the sinking of H.M.S. Royal Oak at Scapa Flow—an irrelevant contention, since Scapa Flow is in any case a declared defended port and not .a commercial port. British mines are not laid in the neighbourhood of or near the approaches to any commercial port except in the publicly-announced minefields. Furthermore. British mines are automatically made innocuous if they break their mooring. Interesting confirmation of this comes from Belgium where a British mine washed ashore at QsteiSd did not explode for the reason stated.

The illegal laying of German mines throws an interesting light on German leaflets recently circulated in Holland. Those represent that the British socalled blockade is directed toward starving neutral women and children. Germany herself, it is suggested, has ample supplies of foodstuffs. It is now clear that if a shortage should unfortunately occur in neutral countries it will be due to the indiscriminate minelaying. The essence of the British contraband control is that it permits neutrals to import theii normal requirements for home consumption without interference. An Amsterdam report says Herr Hitler consulted his advisers when he learnt of the British plan to retaliate against his minefield policy. The German Press boasts about the sinkings and disclaims German responsibility. It asserts that Britain is no longer able to safeguard her sea routes and adds, that German sea warfare against Britain will be speeded up. The Dutch- Press expresses fear that the British retaliation will result in further damage to the trade of neutral countries. . A Netherlands newspaper raises the point as to the position of goods shipped from Germany but manufactured from raw materials supplied by other countries. FRANCE FOLLOWS SUIT SEIZURE OF GERMAN EXPORTS. (Received This Day, 10.35 a.m.) PARIS, November 22. It is officially announced that tiie Government has taken the same decision as Britain concern* ing the application of reprisals against German export trade as the result of the nature of the naval warfare which the Germans have been conducting for several weeks and especially during the last few days. ' SURPRISE IN ITALY SPEED OF BRITISH DECISION.

(Received This Day. 10.35 a.m.) ROME. November 22

The Italian newspapers publish Mr Neville Chamberlain's announcement without comment, but .give much space to the German piracy allegations. The British decision was expected but the speed with which it was made caused surprise. DUTCH SAILINGS CANCELLED (Received This Day 9.20 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, November 22. Acting on advice from the Government, Dutch shipowners have cancelled all sailings from Dutch ports. ITALIAN VICTIM SHIP BADLY DAMAGED BY MINE. (Received This Day. 9.20 a.m.) LONDON. November 22. The Italian steamer Fianona. struck

a mine of! the south-east coast. It is believed that none of the crew were injured. The steamer’s hull apparently split above the water level. The ship was almost empty and therefore more buoyant. Efforts are being made to tow her to port. The violent explosion shook coastal residences. OUTCRY IN GERMANY WILD CHARGES AGAINST BRITAIN. TALK OF OPEN ROBBERY AND PIRACY. LONDON, November 22. Mr Chamberlain's announcement of reprisals against Germany's mine warfare has caused acute anxiety among neutrals, but the general reaction does not compare with the bitterness aroused by similar measures in the last war. Germany describes it as open robbery. The Berlin official news agency says: "Britain’s entire sea trade in war time is based on pirate principles. Open robbery of neutral ships on the high seas will not be surprising in the light of the ruthlessness with which England has always forced her way against the principles of international law. It is very likely that the sinking of ships in British waters was staged for the express purpose of announcing the reprisals." The Dutch newspaper. ‘Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant." says that if she really takes the measures threatened Britain will be convicted of conduct which is not only illegal and illogical, but also displays a sci ious lack of tact. . A Copenhagen message says the Butish reprisal is considered logical, but it means another burden on neutral trade. It is feared that the latest developments will force Denmark to rearrange her trading both with Britain and Germany. Bucharest business men express the opinion that Britain’s decision will result in increased economic pressure on Rumania.