THREAT BY NAZIS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21195, 19 August 1940, Page 2

THREAT BY NAZIS

BLOCKADE OF BRITAIN ALLEGATIONS OF BRUTALITY WARNING TO NEUTRALS (turned Pre«s asmi.—Eler. TeL Copyright, LONDON. August 17 Germany has addressed Notes to all neutral countries, with the exception of the United States and the Argentine, requesting them to forbid their ships to enter the war zone. A long communique says: “Because England has broken all international rules of sea warfare, the German High Command in future will use all the means at its disposal for enforcing the total blockade of England. Every neutral ship in British waters now exposes itself to the danger of destruction. German aeroplanes .will attack every ship without exception. “Examples of England’s brutality include the intention to starve German women and children and likewise those of other European States; the arming of merchantmen in order to use them for attack against U-boats; the laying of floating mines: the use of U-boat traps, disguised as fishing boats; and the shooting down of German Red Cross aeroplanes.” Reply by British Minister The Minister of Information, Mr A. Duff Cooper, has made the following comment on the German statement regarding the blockade: “The accusation that England has violated the international rules of sea warfare comes singularly inappropriately from Germany, who has herself already violated all those rules in unsuccessful attempts to blockade the British Isles. “In these attempts Germany for some time has been exerting her full powers of attack against neutral shipping, of which 736,162 tons have been sunk since the .outbreak of war. This, however, has not deterred neutral vessels from seeking the safety of British convoys. It seems most improbable that Germany’s words of warning will succeed now where violent deeds have signally failed.

“Moreover, the bulk of what was formerly neutral tonnage is now in the service of the Allies, including 82 per cent of the Norwegian, 90 per cent of the Dutch, 83 per cent of the Belgian and 60 per cent of the Danish mercantile marine. “Some other reason must therefore be sought for this elaborate official reiteration of threats which German propaganda has been uttering for many months. It can only be assumed that Germany hopes, by renewed talk of a blockade, to divert British attention from her projects of invasion or from a move which she may contemplate in some other direction. Britain is fully prepared for any eventuality.”