THE SUBMARINE IN WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17979, 3 January 1922, Page 4

THE SUBMARINE IN WAR.

International courtesy is softening the tone of the submarine discussion at Washington, but unfortunately the facts are not altered by the studied moderation of the language of delegates when referring to the French attitude. France has shown no disposition to come nearer to the views of the other Powers, and seems disposed to put difficulties in the way of the proposed declaration of outlawry on submarines as commerce destroyers. The second of the resolutions submitted is a distinct prohibition on the use of the submarine against merchant ships, and it is suggested that .France will raise objections to this. The shocking inhumanities of the German submarine campaign during the war shewed very clearly that underwater craft are useless as commerce patrols in war-time except through the German method of sinking on sight. This piracy was denounced in all Allied countries, and the international law and usage on the subject was very clearly set forth by Mr. Wilson in his Notes to Germany. America, under a new President, adheres to that pronouncement and seeks to frame a set of rules which it is hoped would be a check upon any natjpn that may be tempted to follow Germany's barbarous lead. An unhesitating acceptance of these rules was expected from France, as from all civilised Powers. If they are rejected and no limit is put upon the construction or use of submarines, the results of the Washington Conference will fall much below first expectations and there will remain a great deal to be done by subsequent international conferences before it can be said that the world is sincerely facing disarmament or is moving unfalteringly toward universal jjeace,,