SEAMEN’S CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1917, Page 3

SEAMEN’S CONFERENCE.

[per PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPYRIGHT.]

proceedings OPENED. LONDON, Aug. 17. The Seamen’s Conference representing tho Allies and most of the neutrals has opened in London, Mr Havelock Wilson presiding. He announced that the delegates represented all sections of the maritime world in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, West Indies, France, Italy, Russia, Belgium, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. He said that it was proposed to consider tho attitude to be adopted towards Germany after tho war, in view of her submarine atrocities. lie explained that JHfc was not intended to discuss the origin of the war, but neutrals were entitled to express their opinion of German methods, ns neutrals, equally with the Allies, had suffered from the barbarities. “We are not calling on the Government to take action; the seamen aio better able to look after themselves, he added. Seamen wore still undaunted and Germany’s barbarism had not yet' delayed a single ship sailing by five minutes. He also believed that tho seamen could induce the wharf labourers and transport workers to assist in a German boycott after tho war and suggested that if other seafarers refused to work with German they would be materially punished. The German Shipowners’ lntei - nation Commission should enquire into the submarine murders and punish the commanders, crews and authorities according to their guilt.

CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS. (Received, This Dav at 8.50. a.m.) LONDON August 19. A feature of the Seamen’s conference was the speeches of the foreign delegates. The Scandinavians referred to Germany's futile efforts to get Scandinavian seamen to refuse to work ships trading to Britain and other foreign countries. They generally condemned Germany’s ruthless campaign against sea-faTers. 'flic conference carried a resolution seconded by the Danish delegates, expressing- indignation at the crimes of German submarine commanders and crews. Mr. Havelock Wilson states that probably the Seamen’s Union will withdraw from the Transporters’ Federation some of whose memhprs, he alleged, were supporters of Germany. A resolution was also passed on the motion of tho French delegates insisting on repnrition for tho inhuman submarine warfare, and that tho eonfeienco would hold Austro-German seafarers equally responsible with the authorities until reparation was mado. A Scandinavian resolution recommending seamen to withdraw from the International Transporters Union was carried; also a: motion pledging seamen in future not to sail on a vessel carrying Austro-German, unless submarine warfare ceased.