GERMAN SAILORS REFUSE TO SERVE ON SUBMARINES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16670, 15 October 1917, Page 5

GERMAN SAILORS REFUSE TO SERVE ON SUBMARINES.

EXISTENCE OF SAILORS' COUNCILS IN FLEET. MILITARY FORCE INTERVENES ON BATTLESHIP. Renter. (Received 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 13. It has been learned from reliable sources that a strong and growing disinclination exists among the German seamen to serve on submarines. Several Germans have recently been shot fdV refusing service. These executions were quite apart from the mutiny at Wilhelmshaven, which occurred prior to them Australian and N.Z. (Received 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 12. The Amsterdam correspondent of the Daily Chronicle states that the trouble in the German fleet began when the crews of several vessels showed nervous tension, traceable to agitation by reservists. It started aboard the battleship Westfalen and spread to other vessels. A member of the Westfalen's crew refused to obey an order and was arrested. A deputation demanded his release and declared that the crews on several battleships had formed sailors' councils, on the lines of the Russian Soldiers and Workmen's Councils. The men refused to obey the captain, locked him up, and took possession of the ship. A strong military force came aboard the ship, whereupon the mutineers surrendered. An investigation showed that three hundred men were involved. Thirty were sentenced to death and three executed. Prior to being shot the latter revealed the secrets of a plot, of which Admiral von Capelle revealed only the unimportant details to the Reichstag. A similar incident occurred on another battleship when at sea. The sailors seized the ship but were prevented from making a neutral port. Accompanying warships threatened to fire unless she returned to port with them. Two men concerned were shot. Prompt action to prevent a recurrence was taken on other ships. Several battleships lay at Wilhelmshaven without crews. ■