Berlin Says British Reprisal Order Illegal

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1939, Page 5

Berlin Says British Reprisal Order Illegal

(Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 29

A German Government communique states: “The British reprisal order to seize German exports is a new breach of international law, and hits neutrals as much as Germany. The Reich reserves the right to take counter-measures.”' The French decision to act in concert with Britain is not mentioned. The Foreign Minister at Oslo announced that Norway had asked Britain to reconsider the reprisal decision. He claimed the right to demand compensation for any losses thereby. Trade Talks End. The “Times” Copenhagen correspondent sayz the Germdn-Danish trade negotiations ended to-day. They will re-open in December.' ■ The Government announced the prohibition of the despatch of butter, eggs and other foodstuffs as gifts to Germany without a special license. - Holland Shipping to Continue.

A semi-official statement says that, in spite of the intensification of the - ses warfare, Holland will continue to sail her ships,- states a message from Amsterdam. i.

Such sinkings, the British Qrder-in-Council published yesterday states, have been made without regard for the nationality or destination of the' vessels or of the ownership and destination of the cargoes. These have resulted in a gfave loss of British, Allied and neutral noncombatant life. “Itight of Retaliation.” “Whereas it is manifest that the German Government has deliberately embarked on a policy of endeavouring to destroy all seaborne trade between Allied and other countries by the ruthless use of forces at its disposal, contrary to the laws and customs of war, the rights of neutrals, and the'obligations to humanity; and whereas this action on the part of the German,Government gives His Majesty unquestionable right of retaliation,” the Order then provides:— l Goods For Custody of Court. These prohibited goods discharged under the Order are to. be placed in the custody of a Prize Court, and unless the Court orders their requisitioning, they shall be detained or sold as the Court directs and the proceeds paid into the Court. On the conclusion of peace, the proceeds and any goods detained unsold, shall be dealt with, as the Court considered just, provided that there may be payment out or release at any time if it be shown to the satisfaction of the Court that the goods had become neutral property before November 27, 1939; or there may be such payment or release with the consent of a proper officer of the Crown. Explanation. ; According to an explanatory staterment issued by the Ministry of , Economic Warfare, requests to ,the Crown’s officer will be considered only if the goods are neutral-owned, and if they were on a vessel clearing from the last neutral departure port before December 11, 1939; or if the contract under, which the goods were, ordered was entered into before November 27, 1939, and the purchaser has paid for the goods before shipment, and the goods were on a vessel which cleared the last neutral departure port before January 1, 1940. The Order itself further provides that law and practice in prize shall be followed as far as is applicable in cases arising under the order.