NEUTRALS AND TIE PIRATES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3000, 10 February 1917, Page 9

NEUTRALS AND TIE PIRATES

LATEST. OFFICIAL DECLARATIONS ■ HUNS SINK ANOTHER RELIEF SHIP ! By Telegraphr-Press Assn.—Copyright. New York, Februarys. 'Atv Washington correspondents are less hopeful* regarding the situation, and th& possibility of-averting war. Two new factors, the sinking of the California and the report of-. Germany holdiing a general hostage, are extremely disquieting. IJ; is pointed out that the California, a passenger, ship, was sunk without warning.- The'facfc that one American'who was aboard was saved was not due to the- precautions of the submarine, which .fired two torpedoes • at, two hundred* yards range. The;-American Consul at Queenstown states that the loss of life»may be greater than reported —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PRESIDENT .WAITING FOR.. AN INDISPUTABtE BREACH; .. -. ■ CRic. February 9/iO.IO p.m.) IVashington, February 9. De&jiite''±he-outragecon=ihe Califor.Hm'i the sinking ofS other vessels, andth& ■ Ge'rard v incid&ti{it is 1 - believei-.tliafe .-President Wilson,., while of opinion that ftsriiB r not-far off," will breach•of'mternational law, thus... Becuringkn' i indisputaljre:"issue.H^Aus:-N.Z. , Cahle. : Aßsh i v " ; : THE SEIZURE' OF THE INTERNED SHIPS 1 -• "•• v ' ' ' ' Rotterdam, February 8. The authorities at Berlin regard the seizure by .the -United States of the interned ships as practically an act of war. The German newspapers, including the semi-official "Frankfurter Gazette," prepare the public for war against which: is regarded as certain. They urge the Americans to remain in Germany, promising, they will not be molested if the United* States' •does not Molest Germans in .America. Germany is thus seeking a free hand for her plotters and spies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • INSPIRED. SABOTAGE. - ' >• -.! New York, February 8. It ds reported/that the North German Lloyd ■ steamer Kron Priflzessia Cecille (19,503_ .tons), was deliberately weakened by drilling ;holes in the frames' amidships,, filling jfchem .with 'putty and blacklead.; Expert's ' say she would, break in two UMW. a ■ • " ;• Germans are .beingjveedld -oiit-'of the coastguard -and lighthouse services and the navy" yards.—Ausj-N.Z. Cfa"ble Assn.—-• • • \ .. . . • ' (Reci Psb'riiary "TO, 0.30-8,111.) ! ' ~ :. .. ..... . Seattle,. February 9. The crews of the Saxon!B.-and other German vessels were'arrested on Monday, and then' released, and , allowed to return to their vessels. At Manila the crewipf-the Prinzessin Alice Vas" removed. The'vessel is on fire. —Reuter; ■■ .•• • -■ ••• -. ' ' PLOTS TO BLOCK THE PANAMA CANAL -. .-' v ' ' . Washington, February 8. Plots have been -discovered-to block' the Panama Canal and Manila Harbour. The discovery his led the Government to'take over all German vessels in those places.—Renter. .••• . • • ' ' HYPHENATED GERMAN-AMERICANS END6RSE , PRESIDENT'S - „ ACTION ...;. ...Nfw York, February 8. The German-American .National Alliance, claiming -to represent 3,000.000 "hyphenated Americans'," has endorsed President Wilson's-action, and- has decided, .in.the event of 'hostilities, to form.regiments to fight for the American Union, and to'present to the American Red Gross tho funds collected for German'war relief.—Reuter. : . ' • THE GUNNING OF THE RAT. " < / New York, February 8. Since the crisis large balances in German banks liavo been transferred quietly, most of. them to" banks in South America. A million dollars in golil was shipped' Wday for Jfrgentina.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. j: THE DETENTION OF MR. GERARD OFFICIALLY CONFIRMED. ; • New York, February 8. The stoiy of the detention of Mr. Gerard was followed by a United Press Sgency direct message, and later by official confirmation. The greatest interest is taken in the matter, ,and indignation is expressed throughout the country. Government officials are inclined to attribute Germany's action to false reports' regarding America's treatment of Count Bernstorlf. They believe tho matter,;is capable of adjustment. The Berlin agent of the United Press Agency learns that Americans will not be permitted to depart from Germany until Count Bernstorlf is granted safe condict. ! Later. A mfssage from London states that Mr. Gerard is about to receive his passports, and may leave immediately. A PREPOSTEROUS. REQUEST. ;. '. (Rec. February 10, 0.30 a.m.) I ' London, February 9. Tte German Foreign Office asked Mr. Gerard to sign a proposal affirming the treaties and guaranteeing' nine months' protection before internment to Teutoas in America. . ' Mr. Gerard declined, referring Herr Zimmerman to the Spanish and Swedish. iiiterine.diatie6.-i-R!eiiter.<.--.. ... A -. _ ......... ...

SAFE CONDUCT FOR COUNT BERNSTORFF. Washington, February 8. Franco has granted Count Bernstorff safe "conduct. Britain has also agreed to safe conduct for Count Bernstorff.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. AMERICANS RESIDENT IN GERMANY. (Rec. FebVuary 9, 5.55 p.m.) ' . . . London, February 8. xhe American Embassy in London estimates that there are 2COO Americans residing in Germany. - The German Government continues to treat American, journalists properly, but has-announced that guarantees cannot bo given for the future.—Aus.-N.Z. CabloAssn. ' GERMAN INTERESTS IN AMERICA. (Rec. February 9, 7.50 p.m.) Berne, February 8. Switzerland has agreed to take charge of German interests in the United States.—Reuter. THE THREATENED BREAK WITH AUSTRIA : VIENNA PLAYING FOR TIME. ' (Rec. February's, 7.50 p.m.) . ' London, February 8. '._ It is reported from Vienna that conferences between the Austrian Foreign Office and the United States Ambassador continue,* in the hope of preventing a rupture. Thus far there ha s been no definito result. The efforb to delay the rupture is based on.tho fact that the submarine piracy has been carried on under the German flag... Moreover, there is little American shipping in the Mediterranean.—Aus.-N.Z.. Cable Assn. BIG SIEGE GUNS FOR NEW YORK ■ (Reo. February .10, 0.30 aim.) : ' Vancouver, February 9. All the siege guns at West Point have been shipped to New York for us<s at the forts and protecting the city.—Reuter. ' BRAZIL DEFIES THE HUNS •' REPLIES OF OTHER NEUTRALS LESS FIRM L, D ~ , , d® J anoiro, February 8. i. Brazilian bovornraent has decided not to accept Germany's blockade. It has ordered all ports to oe closed at'sunset to prevent escapes. With a few exceptions, sailings continue as usual.—Aus.-N:Z. Cable Assn. •' ' . , . p SPAIN PREPARED FOR "ALL MEASURES" (Rec. February 9, 7.50 p.m.) a • j i■. n i* v . Madrid, February 8. • fepains reply to Berlin and Vienna has be6n published. It states: "Spain cannot agree toi th e maritime proceedings of the Central Powers, and hopes g»s It is announced in Madrid that all political leaders met and decided td support the Government. Parliament will authorise anmlc credits.—Aus.Cajle Assn. „ . , . Washington, February 8. ' J. he bpanish ISote adds: 'Spain, having taken' over American interests in Germany, is anxious to keep open communication with Berlin as the best channel of negotiation between the Central Powers and the Entente Powers." —Reuter, - 9 HOLLAND'S CASE DEFINED •(Reg. February 9, 5.55 p.m.) . . .. . v The Hague, February 8, . The' Dutch Premier,. speajking' in' the Second Chamber, defined Holland's • attitude. The Government hitherto had maintained a fixed, independent : attitude.'. There was no reason now to act otherwise,-though the Government Jiad lodged a'strong protest against "Germany's attitude, which could not be considered'to be in conformity with the principles of international law. Hol.,land: desired to emphasise the -'principle of the freedom of the seas. "The Government 'will certainly oppose by: force of arms any violation of the neu- • itrality-" of -its territory, froni'whichever-.side it might come.''—Aus.-N^Z.'Cable' Assn... . • : y.v : • 1.-.--f ■■■ : 'v_ \ ' WHAT NORWAY SAYS- . • (Rec; February"9, 3.30 p.m.)' Y-'. " ' ■ C.hristlania, February 8. The. Norwegian Government has replied to the appeal from- America that . "We cannot adhere to America's action against. Germany," adding: "The three Scandinavian kingdoms are now discussing their attitude on'-the basis of international law." _ The joint Scandinavian reply to Germany protests • especially against .the threat to sink ships without warning, and not attempting to save the crews. } -' '■ ' ~~~ ' . THE SWISS REPLY. . . . • . . Berne, February 8. It is expected that.the Swiss reply, will .aiffirm Switzerland's neutrality, but '-will, pacifically protest against the German blockade as calculated to in-, jure Swiss imports and trade. The Swiss people practically unanimously sup-. port neutrality,' tyut view the" diminution of-imports with 1 anxiety. The coal 1 shortage is becoming grave'. ;; » • ' - ARGENTINA WILL-. FOLLOW PRINCIPLES; ..- " ■>. .... Buenbs Aires, February 8. The Government of Argentina has' replied to Germany, regretting that the Kaiser considered such an extreme measure.necessary.. The, reply declares that'the Government will base its conduct on the fundamental principles, of intefnatiohahlaw..- .'•••• A German wireless station has'been discovered five miles from R.io de Jeneiro' communicating 'with German ships detained' elsewhere.—Reuter. / ' , "GREECE TAKES "SOUNDINGS." ■ Athens, February 8. The Foreign Minister states that Greece is sounding the other neutrals before replying to President Wilson. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . CHINA'S ATTITUDE. Peking, February 8. It is not expected that China will accept President Wilson's invitation. German intrigues have probably created an exaggerated fear of Germany in Government circles—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. 'ONE WAY TO BALANCE ACCOUNTS IF THE NEUTRALS ARE FORCED INTO THE ARENA. (Rec. February 9, 5.55 p.m.) r Londonj February 8. The shipping paper. "Fairplay" says that by forcing neutrals into the arena Germany will defeat her own ends. At the outbreak of war 588 German steamers, aggregating 2,408,450 tons, took refuge in neutral ports. Of these, 72, aggregating 553,689 tons, are in the United States. The fentry of Portugal into the war reduced the total by 71 (tonnage, 231,798), If all, or part, of this tonnage is placed on the market it will considerably undo the work of the submarines. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LATEST VICTIMS OF THE SUPER-FRIGHTFUL ANOTHER BELGIAN RELIEF SHIP SUNK London, February 8. The British steamers Explorer (7606 tons) and Corsican Princo (2776' tons) have been sunk.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. To-day's sinkings were ten vessels, of a total tonnage of twenty thousand.—The "Tynes." (Rec. February 9, 3;30 p.m.) London, February 8. The British steamer l'urino (4241 tons), the Macarena (Spanish, ' 1122 tons), and two Grimsby trawlers have been sunk. All the crews were saved. (Rec. February 9, 7.10 p.m.) > London, February 8. Sixteen vessels were reported to have been sunk by submarines to-day. Theso include the Swedish vessel Varing (2107, tons), the British Vedamore (6330 to/is), and Saxouian (4855 tons), and the American schooner Charles K. Sohull (BS4 tons), which left a gulf port.for Rotterdam, and was sunk west of Tortugas on Sunday. Some small trawlers were also sunk.—Aus.-N.Z. -Coble .-Assij,- ...... ;■; 1 —