Untitled

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IX, Issue 116, 2 May 1919, Page 4

Following on wlhat was said here yesterday with regard to disarmament as dealt with in the League of Nations Covenant, it may be noted a.s an item of special interest to. Britain and other maritime nations, that the questlion of submarine warfare appears to have been shelved, although made this subject of a good deal of discussion. Both Italy and France seem to have been, strongly against the proposal absolutely to forbid submarine warfare. The suggested prohibition would, according to opinion which found expression at the Conference, leave all other powers at the; mercy of those, with the: largest baittledhip fleets and purses—nameily, Great Britain and America. It was argued that the submarine is the only means of defence of the smaller powers, and that it can not be condemned merely because. Germany made illegal anil shameful use of this weapon. “Germany,” say the Italians, “has abused every weapon of war, but it is not proposed, or even hoped .that rifles and guns should be abolished.” An article whidh, during the submarine discussion at V-e.i-sai.lles, appeared in. the “Messagero” over the signature of its naval expert, Captain Ettore Bravetta, suggested that submarine warfare could be kept, within limits of justice and humianity by general agreement among the nations, with the mutual understanding tthat the captains and crews of «nbn»riw» which attack nrerohant vessels should be considered as pirates and hanged without, trial. Captain Bravetta Gonsidered that, in. order to create an example, German commanders and crews who sank hospital ships, or otherwise- dii.stinguid’.n ed themselves for cruelty during the war, should be hanged out of -hand now. This is a- sentiment in which most people will concur, and there seems t,o he some prospect of its being gratified, to an extent at any rate, if the cables are giving us aright the conclusions of the Peace Cbnferenne with regard to war 1 criminals, big and small.