BRITISH NAVAL EXPERTS' CRITICISM.

Grey River Argus, 28 June 1919, Page 3

BRITISH NAVAL EXPERTS' CRITICISM.

LONDON, June 22. Naval -writers point out: W e were not legally entitled to place armed guard's aboard the German fleet. The' Navy maintained this attitude with studious correctness. It may have been folly; but it was British tradition. At least one trawler was constantly drifting up and down the line of interned warships, keeping watch. None of the German crews were allowed to leave the ships. It would seem impossible that all the ships could settle down and sink Avuhout the British Admiral commanding the guardships guarding the entrances, learning . something suspicious Avas afoot, .unless the Germans secretly smuggled infernal machines aboard, which is doubtful. They probably prepared additional inlets for the Avater, supplementing the ordinary Kingston , valves to accelerate the . sinking. The German crews were relieved monthly ami returned to Germany. They received all their rations from Germany. 'It is "revealed that Admiral Von Router, avlio Avas commanding the interned fleet, burst into tears complaining that Admiral Beatty's order to haul down the German flag Avas not in keeping Avith the idea of chivalry betAveen honourable opponents. Von Reutcr, after making an uigent petition and pleading sickness, Avas pcrmictcd to return to Germany temper} 1 , r ly. This is interpreted as meaning that ho Avas sick of Scapa Floav. Hp speedy return to the fleet indicated that he was equally as dissatisfied with Germany.. It is improbable that Von Router, planned the final coup. Tho Admiralty has not disclosed what action 1 Avill be taken. ' Admiral Sir • Cyprian Bridge, intcrvicAved, suggests that the- scuttling Avas carried out under instrue.ions received secretly from Berlin. The crcAvs should DC court-martialled. The action shows that th c Germans ar e still without a snnse of honour and decency. This is a piece of gratuitous iniquity. The h.inn ■must be measured by the lime, trouble and expense of raising, because, the ships must be cleared; in order to clear the anchorage, although not in the fairway. The whole affair is frankly dishonourable, and intended as a direct insult. Sir Percy Scott, interviewed, said: It serves us right for trusting theHuns. Throughout the Avar they have shown that they are not a civilised race, but barbaric. Another prominent Admiral exemplifies the Germans as unworthy of our consideration. They "did. not refrain from treachery, even when the fate or their Empire was in the balance.