HOSPITAL SHIPS NOT SAFE

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

HOSPITAL SHIPS NOT SAFE

GERMANY CONDEMNED OUT OF HER OWN MOUTH. (Australian and N.2' Cable Assn.) (Reuter's Telegrams.) (Received Feb. 13, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. 13.' The Press Bureau says the Foreign Office states that after arrangements bad been completed for the exchange of British and German incapacitated prisoners, Germany telegraphed, through the American Embassy, prior to the rupture of diplomatic relations, that the departure of British hospital ■ships with severely wounded Germans was no longer considered safe, and suggested the transportation of wounded men to and from England by Dutch paddle steamers, which were guaranteed a German safe conduct. The transport of severely wounded English would be suspended until Britain’s reply was received, and future repatriation, including German and English civil prisoners, would thereafter be effected in the same manner. The Foreign Office adds:— “Comment on such communications is superfluous.”