Neutrals Protest At Allied Reprisal

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 279, 25 November 1939, Page 8

Neutrals Protest At Allied Reprisal

SEVERE BLOW TO DUTCH AND BELGIAN SHIPPING United Pres* Association —Bv Electric Telegraph —r*nrvri«rht LONDON. Nov. 23. It is officially announced at The n*cue that the Government has stronfly protested against the British decision to seize German exports from neutral ships. The Dutch Minister in London is to convey the protest to the British Government. A Dutch official communique ■ays that the Government in its protest drew attention to the fact that the British decision was of a disagreeable character because it was taken after ship disasters of which the loss of the liner Simon Bolivar was the most important.

It is also officially stated in Brussels that the Belgian Government has decided to protest to Britain regarding export control on lines similar to the Dutch protest. The Brussels correspondent of The Times says that shipping circles in Belgium are alarmed at the export control measure. NEUTRALS APPRECIATE NEED OF REPRISALS (Received 24. 1.15 p.m.) LONDON. Nov. 23. The Press comments of the neutrals most affected by the extension of the Allied contraband control to German exports show a comprehensible apprehension of Its effects on their carrying trade but, in most cases, an equal appreciation •f the necessity to take reprisals against the German violations of international law. The Svenska Dagbladet draws an interesting parallel with the last war in which it says: “No-one can challenge the judgment of history that the German Pmpire torpedoed itself with its unrestricted submarine war.” A Copenhagen newspaper sadly reflects on the jettisoning of the last remnants of the Hague Convention revealed in reports of the German action in laying mines on trade routes Hear the British coasts. In Holland, the newspaper Haagsche says: “While the British reprisals are bad news for the neutrals, they are not surprised.” The Vaderland sees the reprisals as a complete disorganising of Dutch shipping. but adds: “They will also be a hard blow to Germany.” FOREIGN LANGUAGE BROADCASTS FROM AUSTRALIA (Received 24, 11.15 a.m.) CANBERRA, Nov. 24. The Ministry of Information announced the inauguration of short-wave broadcasts of Australian news in foreign languages to foreign countries. 36 PLANES FROM BRITAIN SENT TO RUMANIA (Received 24. 11.15 p.m.) LONDON. Nov. 23. It is officially stated that 36 Blenheim bombers have been safely delivered to Rumania. They were flown from Britain by Rumanian pilots. RESTRICTION ON PRODUCTION OF WHEAT INEVITABLE (Received 24, 11.5 ajn.) CANBERRA, Nov. 23. The Prime Minister, Mr R. G. Menzies, announced to-night that restrictions on wheat production were inevitable in the coming season. The Government at present is examining its powers of bringing this ibout. “We Cannot Doubt Cause Will Prevail ”

LONDON, Nov. 23. His Majesty the King, in his ■peech on the prorogation of Parliament, said: “The shadow of war has once more fallen over Europe despite my Government’s efforts to preserve peace. Germany, violating solemn undertakings, wantonly invaded Poland. This new instance of German aggression and bad faith was a challenge which could not be declined without dishonour to ourselves and without peril to the cause of the freedom and progress of mankind. “We do not seek material gain,” his Majesty added. “Liberty and free institutions are our birthright which we, like our forefathers, are resolved to preserve. “The issue is clear. My peoples here and overseas have dedicated themselves to the struggle with a united will. “The spontaneous decision of my Dommions was to participate in the conflict, and the invaluable help they are giving and are able to give to the common cause has been of the greatest encouragement to me. “We cannot doubt that our cause will prevail.” To the House of Commons the King'a message, which was read by the Lord Chancellor in the House of Loras, expressed thanks “for your ready acceptance of the heavy financial burdens .rendered necessary as a contribution [towards meeting the severe expense of the war. Your prompt and ungrudging response has deeply impressed the world and demonstrates the unflinching determination of my people to make every sacrifice necessary for victory.”