GERMAN REPLY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23512, 24 November 1939, Page 7

GERMAN REPLY

BRITISH SEIZURE OF EXPORTS FRANCE ACTS IN CONCERT .ANXIETY IN NEUTRAL COUNTRIES

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

(Received November 23, 7.80 p.m.) - ' LONDON, Nov. 23 / It is officially stated in Berlin that Germany will adopt 'unrestricted mine warfare " as a counter to Britain's decision to retaliate for the illegal sowing of mines in the tracks of Allied and neutral merchant ships by seizing on the high seas all exports of German origin or ownership. Germany describes the measure as open robbery, and the Berlin official news agency says Britain's entire sea trade in wartime is based on piratical principles. "Open robbery from neutral ships on the high seas will not be surprising in the light of the ruthlessness with which Britain has always forced her way against the principles of international law," says the news agency. "It is most likely that the sinking of ships in British waters was staged for the express, purpose of announcing reprisals." An official announcement in Paris yesterday stated that the French Government had taken the same decision as Britain concerning the application of . reprisals against German export trade. i The Allies" decision has caused acute anxiety to neutrals, but the general reaction does not compare with the bitterness aroused by similar measures during the last war. I / The Ministry of Economic Warfare says the Order-in-Council giving effect to the Allies" decision, which is expected in a few days, does not constitute a blockade, which would entail the seizure of all ships entering or leaving Germany.