THE COMMAND OF THE SEA

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8811, 14 August 1914, Page 4

THE COMMAND OF THE SEA

The determination of the Admiralty to i sweep the seas clean of the few cruisers which the enemy has* ont on the trade routes is very reassuring. There are but few of these; five on tho North Atlantic are mentioned, ; and there is no need to suppose that there are as many in the southern part of that ocean. At all events, the strength of the British cruisers in tho latter is now trebled. In the former there are 25 cruisers out in combined sweep of the sea, and with them there aro some cruisers of the French navy. These ought to make short work of the five Germans who are known to bo out. Of the armed merchantmen, the craft so much discussed some years since, there is not much evidence. They were to have covered the sea immediately after any declaration of war. Some preparation was noted the other day, but the American Government's determination to insist on their good behaviour has had a good effect. It was held during the discussion wo have referred to that these vessels could act in a double capacity; go to sea as merchantmen, harry commerce as war vessels, and return as merchantmen - to port to get supplies for another raid. That, at all events, has been prevented, and tho prevention has stopped the career of these depredators. The game, moreover, is too risky. The cruisers of the Royal navy have far greater speed, and the merchantmen cannot afford to stand fire. That was startlingly proved by the fact of tho Koenigin Luiso, the liner detailed to lay mines, which was sunk in a few minutes by the war vessel that discovered her at work. This brings us to the worst point in the' Admiralty announcement. Navigation is not safe in the North Sea, or parts of it, because the Germans have scattered mines indiscriminately over

tlio international fairways. The practice is contrary to international law, and is a breach of international convention. It is an inhuman outrage in the possibility of which it is difficult to believe. But the Admiralty has evidence that this thing has been done, and has issued warning accordingly to all whose - business takes them to the localities affected. Ihe warning in that part of ihe Admiralty declaration need not alarm New Zeaiand shipowners, or merchants. I 1 or the rest of tho declaration it may be regarded as a fairly safe passport of the sea. At all events in a few weeks we believe nothing more, provided no change takes place for tho worse in the central naval situation, will be heard of any armed enemy on the ocean. The German cruisers in Samoan waters are under observation, and those in Chinese seas are overshadowed and paralysed by tho China squadron.