ARGENTINE INTERESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16632, 31 August 1917, Page 4

ARGENTINE INTERESTS.

The importance of the German Note to the Argentine Government may easily be over-estimated into an unwilling admission that the ruthless submarine campaign is to be modified. Many such undertakings have been given to the minor neutral nations, as a simple means of escape from a difficult position, and for the time being they have sufficed to appease the indignation created by German piracy. When the announcement of ruthless submarine warfare Mas made the Argentine Government contented itself with a vague declaration of neutrality and an expression of regret at the adoption of " such extreme measures." However, the sailing ship Monte Protegido was among the early victims of the campaign, and the sinking of this vessel strained relations almost to the point of a breach. Germany offered reparation and satisfaction, including the salute of the Argentine flag at Buenos Aires by a German squadron. This was accepted, the ceremony necessarily being indefinitely postponed. In June fresh offence was given by the sinking of the Oriana and the Toro. A demand for compensation was immediately made. Germany procrastinated, and at the beginning of this month the Argentine Government summarily concluded its conversations with the German Minister in Buenos Aires [ and forwarded a Note to Berlin in-

sisting upon a straightforward reply. The present German promise to observe international law in respect to Argentine shipping is the result. As in all her relations with aggrieved neutrals— during the past few months all neutral shipping has suffered at her hands Germany's policy is one of expediency. Apart from military considerations, a breach with the Argentine would involve very serious results for the German commercial enterprises in the republic, and remembering the promptitude with which Brazil avenged attacks on her shipping, the Berlin authorities will probably endeavour to avoid further injury to the interests of the Latin States.