THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1914. INDISCRIMINATE MINE-LAYING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16199, 8 October 1914, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1914. INDISCRIMINATE MINE-LAYING

As the interval since the outbreak of war hag lengthened, the risk to shipping caused by German mine-laying in the North Sea has probably been a steadily diminishing factor, in view of the fact that mine-sweeping operations have been extensively carried out and that the vigilance of the British navy must have rendered mine-laying on the part of the enemy an undertaking as difficult and dangerous as it would have been eacy in the days when British diplomacy was putting forward strenuous efforts in the interests of peace. Every now and again, however, we hear news of disaster overtaking some vessel through these hidden perils of the sea. In several instances these craft have belonged to a neutral Power. British shipping—the navy in particular—has not suffered to anything like the extent that the Germans no doubt anticipated it would, and if merchant vessels do not pay due attention to the instructions of the Admiralty regarding routes the safety of which is guaranteed they cannot be said to have exercised every needful precaution. But, however effectual the counter-measures that have been adopted may have proved in minim ising the danger to which shipping is exposed, nothing can rob the practice of indiscriminate mine-laying by the Germans of its inherent objectionabieness Its practice reveals an utter disregard for the ethics of warfare, and it remains intolerable that vessels of neutral countries should be exposed, as is at present the case, to hidden perils sown broadcast in waters upon which they ply. The Austrians have been adopting the same minelaying tactics in the Adriatic, and have had to make a humble reply to Italy in consequence, and to give a promise that the nuisance shall be removed. Mine-lay-ing is one of those accomplishments, however, which is probably easier in the performance than in the undoing. It has been pointed out thai the mini-laying does not in the least prevent the British squadrons from making periodical swoops and operating effectively in the IN orth bea, while the mines in certain localities should be calculated to curtail the activities of the German submarines. Writing some weeks ago on this question the naval correspondent of The Times suggested that the mines could have been laid only, in areas within which the Germans have been able to operate, and therefore unless very broa-d paths have been left through the fields, the mines should act as much as a deterrent to the egress of the German ships as to the movements of British ships against them. "Assuming,'' he added, " that the mines have been strewn indiscriminately, should an order be given to the German Admiral to give battle at any cost, —such an order, for example, as Napoleon gave to Villeneuve—either the mines must first he picked up again or the movements of the German vessels are limited to such channels as have been left open. Not until they were clear of the dangerous area could the Germans challenge an action. Moreover, to fight with the knowledge that behind them these mines were scattered indiscriminately would be for the Germans to take a risk which is almost inconceivable." The evidence that has been furnished since this was penned suggests, however, that the mines have been laid far afield and indiscriminately. in localities in which the German fleet is not likely to be operating.