BRAZIL DEFIES THE SUBMARINE BLOCKADE.

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

BRAZIL DEFIES THE SUBMARINE BLOCKADE.

MEASURES TO PREVENT ESCAPE OF INTERNED SHIPS. SPAIN DEMANDS RESPECT FOR LIFE AND COMMERCE. GUARDED PROTESTS BY OTHER NEUTRALS. (Received 12.15 pjn.) RIO DE JANEIRO, February 8. The Government has decided not to accept Germany's blockade, and has ordered all ports to be closed at sunset to prevent the escape of interned vessels. With few exceptions, sailings continue as usual. (Received 11.30 ajn.) MADRID, February 8. Spain's reply protests against Germany's unprecedented attitude against international law, and demands respect for her maritime commerce and her sailors' lives. (Received 11 ajn.) ATHENS, February 8. The Foreign Minister states that Greece is sounding the other neutrals before replying to Mr. Wilson. BERNE, February 8. It is expected that the Swiss reply will affirm Switzerland's neutrality, but pacifically protest to Germany against the submarine blockade as being calculated to injure Swiss imports and trade. The Swiss people are practically unanimously in support of neutrality, but view the diminution of imports with anxiety. The coal shortage is becoming grave. (Received 12.15 pan.) PEKIN, February 8. It is not expected that China will accept Mr. Wilson's invitation. German intrigues have probably created an exaggerated fear of Germany in Government circles.

ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT'S DEFINITE DECLARATION.

(Received T. 30 pjn.) % BUENOS AIRES, February 8. The Government has replied to Germany, regretting that the Kaiser considered such an extreme measure necessary, and declaring that the Government will base its conduct on the fundamental principles of international law.

AN OFFICIAL CLAIM BY PERU.

(Received 1.30 pjn.) NEW YORK, February 8. The Peruvian Government has instructed its Ambassador in Berlin to make an official claim in inspect to the sinking of the Horton. ■■ i '