SINKING OF MERCHANTMEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16372, 28 October 1916, Page 7

SINKING OF MERCHANTMEN.

GERMANY'S REAL MOTIVE. VIEW OF LORD B'ERESFORD. DISCUSSION INOPPORTUNE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. ("Received 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct, 26. The question of the depredations by the German submarine U53 was raised in the House of Lords by Lord Sydenham. He asked whether they were in conformity with Germany's pledge. Lord Charles Beresford said he always thought the German Government wanted to involve America in the war to enable it to say it could not fight the whole world, and also because America would be of considerable assistance at the peace conference. That was a serious statement to make, but he maintained that America was aiding and abetting a shameful policy of wholesale torpedoing of. vessels at sight, to the danger of life. Lord Beresford added that the torpedoing of merchantmen was becoming more serious, and we should take notice of the matter. Lord Grey, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, replied : "We have no understanding with America as to what information she has had or what she would do with it when it was obtained. We could only get information from the officers of sunk merchantmen. The Government could not answer Lord Sydenham until it was possessed of all the facts." He understood the American and the German Governments were discussing the subject. It was inadvisable to raise the subject in the House, and he especially deprecated a discussion of the American policy. NORWEGIANS INDIGNANT. LOSSES EQUAL 10 PER CENT. HOSTILE GERMAN TONE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received 5.85 p.m.) AMSTERDAM. Oct. 26. There is increasing indignation in Norway over Germany's submarine warfare. Twenty-two Norwegian vessels have been sunk since Sunday. The total losses during the war represent 10 per cent, of Norway's mercantile marine. An opinion is held in some circles that the position is approaching a crisis. Meanwhile Germany has adopted a dictatorial tone with reference.to the Note presented to Norway protesting against the prohibition regarding submarines using territorial waters. Inspired Berlin newspapers state that if Norway, as is rumoured, refuses to alter her attitude towards Germany, Germany will consider the reply unsatisfactory. Tho contents of the Note to Norway were not revealed, but a correspondent of ' the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposte, n- , terviewed Herr Zimmerman, German : Foreign Under-Secretary, who said the ! Note was serious. Norway's conduct con- ' Aided with The Hague Convention and ! the simplest, demands of neutrality. Meanwhile submarines would continue their operations off the Norwegian coast. Submarines' belonging to belligerents wero forbidden to voyage in Norwegian I territorial waters after October 20. The Government stated they will be allowed to take refugo in territorial waters during hard weather, in order to save life, provided thev remain on tho surface and fly their respective flags, and depart immeJiatelv the reason for entering the limits has ceased. EXPLOSION IN FACTORY. TWO PERSONS KILLED. TEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 5.35 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 26. An official report states that an explosion occurred in a munition factory in Kent. Two persons were killed and 10 were seriously injured. FURTHER DEPORTATIONS. RELEASING MEN FOR FRONT THOUSANDS OF CIVILIANS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 5.35 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Oct. 26. Five thousand civilians were deported from Ghent on October 23 to replace workmen sent to the front. Civilians in other cities and villages, numbering 100,000, have been notified to be ready to leave. AIRSHIPS OVER HOLLAND. PRESS DEMANDS PROTEST. United Service. LONDON, Oct. 26. The Amsterdam Telegraaf angrilj complains of the flight of Zeppelins over Holland last Sunday, and asks why they were not fired on and whj the Government does not protest. It suggests that a precedent has been established by which Hollant could not complain if tho allied air men crossed Dutch territory ir order to bomb Krupps and othei arms factories. WHEAT AT RECORD PRICE. ALLIES FORCE RATE DOWN A. and N.Z. Cable. CHICAGO. Oct. 26, Wheat has reached the recort price of 186 cents a bushel. Wher this figure was' touched the buyer; who. are operating on behalf of th( allies began to sell, and prices fel to 180 cents.