BRITISH BLOCKADE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20909, 14 September 1939, Page 7

BRITISH BLOCKADE

ADMISSION BY GERMANS IN A SERIOUS POSITION SINKING BY SUBMARINES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 14, 3 p.m.) COPENHAGEN, Sept. 13 The Berlingske Tidendses’ Berlin correspondent says that the Germans admit that they are in a serious position as a result of the blockade, but the answer will be given by unrestricted sinkings, by submarines, putting neutral nations in a hopeless position. While there is yet no definite indication of the German Government’s decision as to how the submarine warfare is to develop the sinking of the Athenia might seem to suggest that Germany has decided to begin a campaign of unrestricted sinkings at sight, not only in defiance of international law but in direct violation of specific undertakings into which she solemnly entered in 1936. Life Goes On As Usual Meanwhile, it is clear that the life of the British Empire, together with all the Empire’s warlike economic activities. goes on much as it did before Ships are daily entering and clearing from British ports in accustomed numbers, and the most acute observer would fail to detect any difference except regarding such necessary precautions as must be observed in wartime between any busy British port to-day and six months ago. It is true that a few British ships have been sunk. This was expected during the first week or so of the war. There may be a few more sinkings before the submarine menace is finally disposed of and until the submarines i now known to be at large have been destroyed or otherwise dealt with. The Main Point The main point to be remembered is that the British naval authorities, who in circumstances of far greater peril and difficulty quelled the submarine menace of 1917, have not been Idle during the 25 years which have elapsed. Patient research into the submarine menace has gone on undiminished and has yielded valuable results. If. therefore, Germany has decided to throw this challenge to the civilised world so far as Britain and France are concerned if is one which both countries will face with calm and confidence. WARNING BY GERMANY THREAT TO NEUTRALS INTERFERENCE WITH TRADE iUnited Press. Assn.—Elec. Tel. CopyngHt> LONDON, Sept. 13 The official German Foreign Office Journal Diplomatische Korrespondenz, referring to the British blockade, recalls that when Germany undertook to respect the neutrality of Holland, Belgium and other States, she declared herself ready to continue her normal export and import of goods to and from neutral countries, but she expected and demanded that neutrals should act similarly to her. The journal adds: “Germany has no objection if neutrals keep up their normal exchange of goods with countries at war with Germany, which Germany would not consider unneutral conduct; but it would be unneutral conduct if neutrals submitted to outside control directed against the maintenance of their normal exchange of trade with Germany.” It is reported from Rome that Germany has bought 400,000 tons of cereals from Rumania. The grain will be transported in Yugoslav vessels, via Trieste, Venice and Fiume. A direct wireless telephone service between Italy and America has been inaugurated with special cheap rates. Italian steamship services have been inaugurated in the eastern Mediterranean.