“America Forsakes Us.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VI, Issue 349, 7 February 1917, Page 5

“America Forsakes Us.”

Herr Zimmerman’s Regret.

German Confidence in Victory

Kaiser Angling For Time.

[PRESS ASSOCIATION COPTEIGHT.]

[AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received 7, 12.45 p.m.) New York, February 6. Despatches from Berlin quote Dr. Helfferich (German Treasurer) vat sayingWe shall go the way we have chosen to the end. We fare convinced that neutrals will eventually be thankful.” r [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received 7. 10.40 a.m.) London, February 6. Though, officially, Germany alludes regretfully to the rupture and suggests a misunderstanding, it is pointed out here that this tone is apparently addressed to neutra’s nearer home. Germany seems to have another semi-official voice for America, full of defiance, as revealed by Berlin correspondents’ despatches.

(Received 7, 9.30 a.m.) Copenhagen, February 6. A report says that Herr Zimmerman (German Foreign Minister) declared:—‘‘America has forsaken us. There is no retreat possible in the fight for our existence.’*

[high commissioner’s message.] (Received 7, 9.15 a.m.) London, February 6

A Berlin wireless message says Herr Zimmermann states:— '* We have no real cause ourselves for hostility against the United States. We do not want hostility with America. We naturally appreciate the unhostile words of President Wilson among others of a different character. While to a certain extent we have reasons for prompting the United States’ present attitude, we expect that President Wilson will to the same extent recognise the reasons prompting our decision.” (Received 7, 9.45 a.m.) Rotterdam, February 6. It- is, semi-officially stated that Berlin reports that President Wilsdri’s message to Congress arrived on Sunday afternoon. It caused ari extreme sensation, but the feeling is most firm and determined. It is clearly noticeable how firm is the confidence of the nation in the upper leadership of the army and navy. No section fears that the war can be lost. Amsterdam, February 6. Private messages have reached Berlin stating that diplomatic relations between Germany and the United States have been broken off, but the Government is withholding official information. Some of the* public profess to doubt the acceptance of the news. Others deeply regret that President Wilson has given the note an interpretation that Germany had not intended. It is stated that the measures were not intended to damage neutrals, and were due to the necessity of defending Germany. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] London, February 6. The news that Germany is reconsidering her submarine poli*y has not surprised American diplomatic circles in London, where it is regarded simply as a proof that the Kaisefr is angling for time, and is attempting in a clumsy manner to play with America. President Wilson’s action is virtually an ultimatum. Germany merely wants to make it appear that she has been badly treated, and has done everything possible to conciliate American official opinion. American telegrams state that Washington knows nothing about negotiations or concessions. HOSTILE INTERVENTION WELCOMED BY THE GERMAN PRESS. (Received 7, 11.30 a.m.) London, February 6. The German press has now found a voice. The striking similarity in newspaper comments suggest that they have beeir awaiting official inspiration. The press professes to regard President Wilson’s action with equanimity, even with relief, because it entirely frees Germany’s hands, which have hitherto been fettered by a scrupulous regard for America’s interests. Such a rupture has long been regarded as a possibility, and it can be faced with composure at a time when the Emperor and General von Hindenburg announce that the military situation justified Germany undertaking a -ruthless undersea warfare, regardless of the consequences. Some newspapers profess to welcome fresh enemies as giving opportunities for further victories and proofs of Germany’s invincibility while facing a world of enemies. Many of the newspapers indulge in sneers and abuse President Wilson. AMBASSADORS HOMEWARD BOUND. Washington, February 6. Count Bernstorff and staff, with their wives and children, and all consuls, comprising 2000, will depart from New York for Christiania on February 13 th. The steamer ■wall follow a safe course prescribed by Germany. (Received 7, 9-30 a.m.) London, February 6. The Central News Agency says that Mr. Gerard has left Berlin, and is expected in Switzerland to-day. RELATIONS WITH AUSTRIA. BREAK HOURLY EXPECTED. Washington, February 6. A break with Austria is only a matter of hours. Turkey and Bulgaria may be included. MEXICO A MENACE TO THE STATES. • POSSIBLE ALLY OF GERMANY. Washington, February 6. From a semi-official source it is learned that the army and navy are shaping plans to meet war with Mexico as Germany’s possible ally. There has been heavy fighting between Carranza’s and Villa’s forces 30 miles west of Chihuahua City. .About 150 of Carranza’s troops were wounded and conveyed to Chihuahua. INTERNED ENEMY SHIPS. MACHINERY WRECKED ON LINERS AT NEW YORK. New York, February 6. The crews of the interned German steamships were removed to Ellis Island preparatory to their return to Germany. The destroyed machinery in the German liners in this port alone was worth £1,000,000. The vessels have been totally disabled. The crews had a code message from Washington to do the wrecking. AMERICAN MERCHANTMEN TO BE ARMED. [REUTER] Washington, February 6. /Xs a result of a conference between President Wilson and Mr. Daniels (Secretary for the Navy), merchantmen will be permitted to carry guns amidships as well as on the bow and stern. X-’oill to authorise the raising of £10,000,000 to complete submarines and destroyers has been introduced into Congress. MILITARY AND NAVAL PREPARATIONS. \ GENEROUS OFFERS BY’ CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] New York, February 6. Bills have been introduced in Congress authorising the Government to take over railways, telegraphs, telephones, private yachts, and all ships laid up in American ports.

The United States Steel, Bethlehem Steel, and other leading companies have informed the Government that they are instantly ready to cease work on private contracts and exclusively make munitions. * Washington, February 6. Henry Ford offers to build a thousand submarines daily (sic). [REUTER] New Y’ork, February 6. The American Marconi Company, in the event of emergency, will place its entire organisation, plant and workshops at the Government’s disposal. It has six high-power stations in the States, two at Hawaii, and 60 coast stations on the Pacific and Atlantic. Washington, February 6. The Government has confiscated the German wireless station at Tuckerton. Communication will be continued by American operators. THE EAVESTON OUTRAGE. STRICT INQUIRIES MADE. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] London, February 6. The survivors of the British steamer Eaveston report that the ship was sunk by shell fire from a submarine. The crew abandoned the sinking ship, and the submarine shelled their boats. The master and three seamen were killed, and the second mate severely wounded. The killed included a Baltimore seaman. (Received 7, 9.5 a.m.) New York, February 6. The American consul at Queenstown has notified the State Department of the confirmation of the killing of Richard Wallace, a negro seaman on the steamer Eaveston, who was killed by a shell fired by a German submarine on the boats in which the crew were escaping. The State Department has notified consuls to forward affidavits and particulars of Wallace’s death. LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE UNAFFECTED. London, February 6. The news of the United States situation was calmly received on the Stock Exchange. The markets were quiet, and prices practically unaltered. America’s rupture greatly stimulated the British War Loan. The Bank of England was unable to cope with the rush of applications. ATTITUDE OF NEUTRALS GERMANS DANGLE A COMMERCIAL BAIT. (Received 7, 10.40 a.m.) , New York, February 6. News from Rotterdam states that the Germans are cdhfident that the blockade will substantially improve Germany’s position in north-western Europe, because it will compel a greater exchange of trade between Scandinavia and Germany. The German Government is already officially dangling the bait of increased exports of German iron and coal in return for a monopoly of the food business. A few German newspapers lengthily address homilies to Scandinavian countries on the insolence of President Wilson’s invitation to follow his lead. NORWAY'S AMERICAN SERVICES SUSPENDED. (Received 7, 12.15 p.m.) Washington, February 6. The Norwegian Consul-General announces that all Norwegian sailings for America are suspended. DENMARK SHORT OF COAL (Received 7, 10.20 a.m.) Copenhagen, February 6. The shortage of coal is acute. Schools are closing temporarily, also some theatres and amusement places. Many factories and shops are working half-time. The Swedish Government proposed a joint Scandinavian mail and passenger non-contraband service to England. HOLLAND'S UNENVIABLE POSITION. NO DESIRE TO MAKE THE KAISER’S HEART BLEED. (Received 7, 10.40 a.m.) New York, February 6. News from* Rotterdam discloses that Dutch newspapers do not attempt to disguise the difficulty of Holland’s position. They recognise that President Wilson’s invitation deserves sympathy in view of Holland’s injuries, but frankly draw attention to the fundamental and geographical distinction between Holland and America. Newspapers, otherwise divergent on war views, agree with striking unanimity to ’the danger of weak Holland breaking off relations with her powerful neighbour, and mighty America doing so on the other side of the Atlantic. The “ Handelsbad ” crystallises the Dutch press outlook, remarking, ‘ ‘ Holland does not want to make the Kaiser’s heart bleed for the poor Dutch as it bled for th 6 poor Belgians.” CONCESSION TO THE DUTCH. London, February 6. A German wireless press message to-day announces the general satisfaction of the Dutch shipping world with the change in the boundary of the barred zone, which opens a road free of danger for Dutch ships. This is described as a new proof that Germany is taking the interests of neutrals into consideration. THE HUN'S PIOUS HOPE. (Received 7, 10.20 a.m.) The Hague, February 6. The Dutch News Agency states from Berlin that German official circles greatly regret that President Wilson has not sufficiently distinguish between Germany’s goodwill and the Entente’s rejection of Germany’s peace offers. They earnestly ' hope that his words will not find an echo among European neutrals. SPAIN REPLIES TO-MORROW. (Received 7, 9.30 a.m.) Madrid, February 6. Senor Romanones (Spanish Premier) announces that the Spanish reply to the German note will be made to-morrow. It is stated in official quarters that the Government will maintain neutrality, but is prepared to act energetically in the defence of national interests. WILSON'S ADVICE REJECTED. (Received 7, 12.15 p.m.) Washington, February 6. It is reported that Spain and Switzerland have decided not to follow President Wilson’s advice that all neutrals break with Germany. BLOCKADE OPERATIONS DIRECTED FROM SPANISH FORTS. [‘‘the times.”] Madrid, February 6. German agents are controlling the submarine campaign from Spanish ports. A REASONABLE THEORY. INVITING A PREMATURE OFFENSIVE. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] London, February 6. Some military critics in London are of opinion that the sudden announcement of sea frightfulness is largely intended to tempt Generals Nivelle and Haig to launch a prematurs offensive, and thus enable General von Hindenburg to judge where the chief blow will fall.

The German Headquarters Staff is anxious to attain some early tangible result before the Allies’ plans are fully matured. A GERMAN CANARD. [admiralty per wireless press] (Received 7, 11.30 a.m.) London, February 6. An Admiralty wireless message states that the German Government news mentions that the Swedish Minister for Exterior Affairs reports that the British Admiralty has provisionally forbidden all sailings from Britain, except passenger steamers. THE LATEST VICTIMS. C. & D. LINER PORT ADELAIDE. Wellington, February 6. The manager of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line is advised that the steamer Port Adelaide, formerly the Indrapura, was sunk. The passengers and crew were saved. The ship left London during the week-end. The Port Adelaide was a steel screw steamer of 3859 tons. She was built at Liverpool in 1890. THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION AND BEUTER] London, February 6. The Admiralty reports that the steamer City of Birmingham was torpedoed without warning on November 27th, when 126 miles from land. The crew numbered 145, and the passengers 170, whereof 90 were women and children. There was a heavy’ swell. The boats were lowered within ten minutes of the explosion. The captain remained till the vessel sank, and was picked up later. The women were calm as if they were going to meals, and sang in the boats. The doctor and three of the crew were presumably drowned. DUTCH LINER CANNA. SUNK WITHOUT JUSTIFICATION. London, February 6. The Admiralty reports that the Dutch steamship Ganna, from New York to Amsterdam, carried a cargo of oilcake for the Netherlands Government. A German submarine on Thursday opened fire with her guns and subsequently sank her with bombs. It would be interesting to learn what distortion of international law Germany will employ in justification. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION] (Received 7, 9.30 a.m.) The Hague, February 6. The Government has asked Germany to explain the sinking of the Dutch steamer Ganna. BELGIAN RELIEF STEAMER SUBMARINED. (Received 7, 10.20 a.m.) London, February 6. The Danish steamer Laskruse, carrying 235 tons of maize from Buenos Ayres for the Belgian Relief Committee, is reported sunk. There are at present eight relief ships en route and thirty in ports. (Received 7, 9.30 a.m.) London, February 6. The steamer Hurstwood (1229 tons) was sunk. The explosion killed five.

MISCELLANEOUS AMERICAN NEWS ITEMS.

[AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSN.] (Received 7, 9.10 a.m.) New York, Feb. 6.

President Wilson thanked Mr. Roosevelt for his offer to serve as a Divisional Commander, and has promoted Theodore Roosevelt, junior, to be a major in the reserve army. The President emphasises the need for the burying of enmities in the face of a common enemy. America’s first censorship has been established at Kan Francisco over news from Hawaii and the Philippines. There is an unprecedented rush of Germans to become naturalised.

(Received 7, 11.30 a.m.) The Petrograd press hopes that a possible American intervention will not be permitted in the leastwise to interfere with the Allies’ determination to punish Germany to the utmost.

Spain has accepted the duty of protecting American diplomatic interests in Germany. Apprehension is felt about the safety of 2000 Americans in Turkey. The Government is considering sending warships to make a demonstration to prevent a massacre. Geneva; Feb. 6. The Swiss newspapers applaud Dr. Wilson’s decision to end the period of hesitation.