CLAN MACTAVISH'S PLUCKY FIGHT WITH MOEWE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 30, 4 February 1916, Page 5

CLAN MACTAVISH'S PLUCKY FIGHT WITH MOEWE.

% GOES DOWN WITH HER FUG FLYING. APPAM SEEKS PORT BECAUSE SHORT OF SUPPLIES. DXFFICTJI.T PROBLEM OF , PRESENT OWNERSHIP. \ '-p (Received 11.20 ajn.) LONDON, February 3. The Clan , Mactavish. ■which had an unseasoned crew, resisted desperately, bat the raider's heavier puns made short work of the cargo boat, which was BTmlr with her flag flying. \ The Appam's passengers watched the fight two miles off. The Appam's steward states that six of the Moewe's crew were killed. Lieut. Berg is a short, stocky little fellow, with a pleasant smile. He said he would have stayed afloat much longer, only that he was short of supplies. He came to Norfolk fVrrgima). believing that the British warships were concentrated in New York, and also because he knew that Germans interned at Norfolk are having a good time. The German Embassy informed Mr. Lansing that Germany relies on the IS2B treaty giving the right to bring in enemy prizes. BASIS OF THE GEBMAH CLAIM. Later Washington advices state that the Appam's passengers have been allowed to land. The Neutrality Board learns that the German Embassy admits that the Appam is a war prize, nnt a German auxiliary cruiser. The question now to bo settled is whether the Prusso-American Treaty of 1828, under which Germany and America agreed to admit each other's prizes to their ports overrides Articles 21 and 23 of The Hague Convention, upqn which the British Ambassador relies. For the moment the I'nited States is treating the Appam as a British ship which put into an American port flying the German Hag in charge of a man who says that he belongs to the German Navy. The identity of the Moewe is still undisclosed. A member of the crew states that he read the name Ponga upon the armed anil disguised merchantman which attacked the British ship. It is officially stated that Sir Cecil Spring Rice (British Ambassador) has demanded the Appam's release. - The "Daily Telegraph's" New York correspondent says that all night the Appam was closely guarded, and nobody was allowed ashore, Lieut. Berg and his prize crew of twenty-two still control over 409 prisoners. Lieut. Berg warned the newspaper men not to come near, as his men might shoot. NO CHARGE ET POLICY SUCCE LUSITANIA. Reporters occasionally went alongside in boats and received scrappy, confusing stories of passengers. Most of them scoffed at the idea that the Moewe came from Kiel, and hinted that she came from a Bulgarian port, equipped by Bulgars and Turks. Passengers believe that the chief reason thoy were brought across the Atlantic was to add to the embarrassments of Washington and to give the idea that Britain's control of tho seas i? incomplete. The "Westminster Gazette" says that it is evident that the fact that there were twenty German prisoners frea; tho Canieronns aboard is tile reason why the Appam was not sent to the bottom. There baa been no change in policy since the Lusitama incident, but the Germans arc not callous enough to consign their nwn people u> the cruel fat: prepared lor other nationalities. Washington advices state that it i= possible that wwks will elapse beforn the ownership and status of the Appam are decided. Lawyers are actively discussing the matter. The British Consul is arranging for the crew and passengers to return to England. -Many are without money. The authorities have sent coa! and food aboard the vessel.