GERMAN METHODS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20186, 2 March 1940, Page 5

GERMAN METHODS

WEAKER NEUTRALS OBJECTS FOR ATTACK PROVOCATION POLICY LONDON PRESS COMMENT (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Pross Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 11.20 a.m. RUGBY, March 1. The outspoken speech by the Norwegian Foreign Minister, M. Koht, has attracted much attention in London. The Daily Telegraph states: “It might well seem to the Scandinavian States that it was the deliberate Nazi policy to provoke them out ol their neutrality by making it intolerably burdensome. Whether that is so or not will be seen when the protests of the Scandinavian Governments are presented and answered. What seems certain is that tame acquiescence in the existing state of things has become no longer possible.” The Manchester Guardian says: "It is not as though Germany Jn her disgraceful attacks on the shipping of neutrals treated them all alike. As would be expected it is the ships or the smaller and weaker neutrals that are sent down. If the small neutral countries act boldly together, wielding the powerful weapon of unity, then Germany may bluster, but she will think twice” Norwegian Appeal The Guardian adds: “M. Koht appealed 100 for the diplomatic help of other neutrals and it is well I known that their fortunes are watched with the greatest sympathy by the United States. The neutrals are not without means of reply to the acts which M. Koht said ‘have thrown a shadow over German sailors’. He hinted that if they continued the trade relations on which Germany depends so much would be endangered. “This is a language that Germany will understand, especially if the neutrals speak it with one voice, for she takes advantage of weakness and respects strength alone.” Meanwhile, according to press reports, the Estonian Government has as a result of a strong protest by tiie Seamen’s Union against the Nazi methods of sea warfare, issued an order forbidding Estonian merchant vessels to navigate the North Sea and other dangerous waters, except under convoy. The possibility that other Baltic and Scandinavian States where the success of the British convov system is recognised may shortly follow the Estonian example is discussed. .