NEUTRAL PROTESTS AGAINST RUTHLESSNESS

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 36, 10 February 1917, Page 5

NEUTRAL PROTESTS AGAINST RUTHLESSNESS

SPAIN WILL DEFEND HER NATIONAL DIGNITY. THE DUTCH DBMAIfD FREEDOM OF THE SEAS. [AuftrallM and N.Z. Cable Annotation.) MADRID; February 9. The Spanish reply to Germany and Austria has been published. It states that Spain cannot agree to the maritime proceedings of the Central Powers. It'hopes for a withdrawal. Failing this, Spain wi'l take all measures to safeguard her national dignity. It is announced that all political leaders have met and decided to support the Government. Parliament will authorise ample credits. • t%» Spanish reply to the United States Government condemns ruthless submarine attacks as a. violation of international law and an invasion of neutral rights, but eayn> that Spain, having taken over American interests in Germany, is anxious to keep open communication with Berlin because Spain is the best channel for negotiation between the Central Powers and line Allies. The Note adds that Spain will demand respect for her maritime commerce and the lives of her sailors. - Speaking in the Second Chamber, the Premier defined Holland's attitude. He said the Government had hitherto maintained a fixed and independent attitude. There was no reason nomr to act otherwise, although he had lodged a strong protest against Germany's attitude, which could not be considered to be in conformity with the principles of international law. Holland desired to emphasise the principle of the freedom of the seas. The Government would certainly oppose by force of arm* any violation of its neutrality or itsterritory, from whichever side it might come. [R«uter*s T«l«gcmim.l LONDON, February 9. Government hu sent a reply to Mr. Wilson's suggestion thai neutrals should break off relations with Germany. Norway states that .she cannot adhere to the-action of the United States, and adds that the three Scandinavian kingdoms are now discussing their attitude on the baste of international law. The joint Scandinavian Note to Germany makes a special protest against the threat to sink vessels without warning and without attempting to save the ereire.