The Piracy Crisis

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4473, 14 February 1917, Page 5

The Piracy Crisis

Huns Playing with America. Desire for Further Parley. Unde Sam’s Strong Stand. Insists @Bi German Withdrawal. (United Press Association—Copyright.)

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn). WASHINGTON, Feb. 12. The State Department admits that Germany is willing to negotiate with the United States if the commercial blockade of Britain is not interrupted. '.Pile United States, in reply, states it will willingly discuss any question if Germany withdraws the U-boats decrees.

The State Department announces the receipt of a memorandum from the Swiss Minister, stating that Switzerland has received a request from the German Government to notify the United States that Germany is willing to negotiate with the United States, provided that the commercial blockade against England is not broken thereby. I

The State Department has replied that the United States would gladly discuss with Germany any question it may propose, provided that Germany withdraws its proclamation of January 31 in which suddenly and without previous warning of any kind Germany cancelled the assurance jt gave the United States on May 4 last, “but the United States does not feel that it can enter into any discussion with the German Government concerning the- policy of submarine warfare against neutrals which it is now pursuing unless and until the German Government renews its assurance of May 4., and acts upon the assurances.”

Carranza is issuing a communication designed to shorten the war, urging neutrals not to send supplies, including munitions, to any belligerentsThis is generally interpreted as a proGerman move in order to bring pressure on the United States.

The Berliner Lokal Anzeiger attacks Mr Gerard for not placing Germany’s difficulties fairly before America, and adds that had he been less friendly to the Entente American and German relations would not have been broken off.

The Scandinavian Governments have agreed to the terms of a joint reply to Germany protesting against the submarine blockade as against international law.

The Greek steamer Vasilissaolga (1400 tons), has been sunk. The crew were landed.

In view of the submarine blockade the Board of Trade figures reports on foreign and colonial corn in the United Kingdom last week are particularly interesting. They are as follows: Wheat, 2,766,200 hundredweights, maize. 1,069,300 hundredweights, compared with 1,111,800 and 495,800 respectively in the same week of lastyear.

warning whenever possible, hut cases must arjse where an American. vessel will be sunk or Americans aboard neutiul ships will be involved in a catastrophe. Germany does not intend to depart from the- submarine policy lately proclaimed. German experts believe that if they can sink a million British tons monthly, besides deterring three million of neutral tonnage they will force Britain to consider peace.

AMERICANS IMPATIENT. WOULD ’WELCOME OVERT ACT*. •'.'.The Times. (Received Feb. 13, 8.10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 13. The nation is growing impatient at President Wilson’s waiting policy, which is regarded as tantamount to acquiescence in the German blockade. Feeling is so tense that the people would welcome an overt act precipitating war..

CHINA SUPPORTS AMERICA. SPOILING FOIUA FIGHT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn) TOKIO, Feb. 12. It is announced that Japan will not endeavour to prevent China supporting the United States. The Peking correspondent of American papers says that China has been anxious to enter the war ever since the outbreak, but has been prevented owing to strong pressure from Japan. THE SEA WOLVES’ PREY. ARTIST’S SURVIVORS’ SUFFERINGS. The. Times. (Received Feb. 13. 3.10 p.m. LONDON. Feb. 13. The British, steamer Lycia lias been sunk. . The survivors of the torpedoed steamer Artist state that they were in open boats in Arctic weather for five days. Seven of their dead were thrown overboard and two have been sent to hospital. Their sufferings were appalling. The Greek steamer Agluoss I vridon has been submarined. There are five survivors. The captain and the rest of the crew were drowned.

AMERICAN SAILORS IN PRISON. IMPUDENT GERMAN HOLD-UP. (Renter’s Telegrams.) (Received Feb. 13, 6.45 p.m.) BERLIN, Feh. 13. Herr Zimmerman has announced that the American sailors sensei. l*Y the raider aboard the Yarrow dale will be held in German prisons until Germany gets official information as to the fate of the German crews held in American ports.

BRAZIL’S DETERMINATION

WILL HOLD GERMANY RESPONSIBLE.

(Reuter’s Telegram.) (Received Feb. 13, 8.10 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 13. Brazil’s reply to the German submarine Note declines to accept the blockade as effective and regular and holds Germany responsible if 13) a Lilian interests are affected.

GERMAN NERVOUSNESS.

TRYING TO AVOID AMERICAN SHIPS.

(Renter's Telegrams.) (Received Feb. 13, 5.15 p.m.) , s. LONDON, Fob, 13. Reuter’s Berlin correspondent says Genuany has instructed the commanders of submarines not to sink neutrals, especially Americans, without