GERMANY CONFUSING THE ISSUE.

Grey River Argus, 23 December 1916, Page 5

GERMANY CONFUSING THE ISSUE.

RIGHTS OF MERCHANTMEN. SIR EDWARD CARSON'S ANSWER. ("Reutar's Telegrams") (ivec. December 22, 1.15 p.m.) LONDON, December 21. In the House of Commons, Sir Edward C'jirson, referring to the repJy by Germany regarding Captain Blaikie, deelaiod that Britain did not admit the d' inctioji of the rights of unarmed merchantmen." 'and those armed for defensive purposes. Doubtless Germany aimed at confusing offensive and defensive actions, with the object of inducing neutrals to. treat vesels armed for their own defence as warships. Our, position was that marchantmen enjoyed the immemorial right to defend themselves from attaek } visit, or starch by the enemy by any means. • Me believed all neutrals accepted this view, which t moreover, was embodied in the German Prize Regulations. He i assured the House that continuous attention was being paid to the arming i of merchantmen for their protection. ALLEGED BRITISH CALLOUSNESS. ADMIRALTY'S DENIAL. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn) LONDON, December 21 A wireless report of an interview mentions Her Zimmefmann as sayingr that when the German steampr Kolga was sunk, seven persons perished. English submarines steered round, not attempting a rescue. The British Admiralty declares that the tradition of the Navy is a sufficient repudiation. The British submarines, hdver-siink' "no" German "ship named Kolgal