PROOFS OF GERMANY'S WITHDRAWN PLEDGE

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 35, 9 February 1917, Page 5

PROOFS OF GERMANY'S WITHDRAWN PLEDGE

ELOQUENT EVIDENCE PRODUCED ,BY ADMIRALTY. LONDON, February 8. The British Admiralty reports that the Commonwealth and Dominion line steamer Port Adelaide, of 8,181 tons, carrying passengers from London to Australia, waa torpedoed without warning on Saturday. The passengers landed at Vigo, Spain. A Peruvian sailing vessel bound from London was torpedoed on Monday in Spanish territorial watera. The Admiralty makes the comment:—"These incidents emphasise the withdrawal of Germany's pledge to the United States not to sink passenger ships without warning, and claim the consideration of neutrals." MADRID, February 8. Later details show that tbe Peruvian sailing vessel which was sunk waa the barque Lorton, of 1,419 tons. A submarine flying the French flag appeared. Notwithstanding protest-, she sank the vessel, and then hoisted the German flag. The crew of the Lorton included a German officer and several German sailors. When the submarine was sighted the Germans cut the rigging and sails to try to prevent the Lorton reaching Spanish waters. The crew of the Lorton were saved by a beat from the harbour. The Peruvian Consul has lodged a protest.