SUNK BY MISTAKE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 237, 8 May 1933, Page 3

SUNK BY MISTAKE

German Fleet at Scapa Flow VON P/EUTER MISUNDERSTOOD BRITISH London, March 15. Today. 14 years afterwards, the real truth about the scuttling in Scapa Flow of the German fleet is revealed for the first time by the Germans themselves. The man who planned and organised the scuttling of the German fleet was Admiral von Keuter, the German commander. He did it, it is now disclosed. because on June 21, 1919, he thought that the war had begun again. To Von Renter the naval terms ot the Peace Treaty were, so crushing that out of touch as he was with his Government, he thought that Gel many would return to war rather than accept and sign the treaty. In the event of renewed war, be saw only course to follow—to scuttle the whole German fleet. “The thought of sinking the fleet had never been out of my mind since the day we entered Scapa Flow,” said Von Reuter to bis chief of stall, according to the authors of “Heath of a Fleet.” On Monday, Juno 10. an ultimatum was presented to Germany; Sign the Peace Treaty in five days or the Armistice expires. Von Reuter know nothing ol this dramatic ultimatum until the fifth, day. Then a bundle of English newspapers left on board bis ship with the mail told him the stoiy. “Today, the 21st, unless we are notified of peace, it will be waragain.” Von Reuter announced to his officers grouped around him. The chief of staff rushed up to see what, the guarding British ships wore doing. He returned unable to believe his eyes. . ~ , “The British tire going to sea, ne shouted. Just Mock Warfare “What does it mean? We have never been left unguarded before!’ gasped Von Reuter. „ “It must mean war again. ... But what Von Reuter, in that critical moment (Sid not know was that Hie British ships were sailing ott quite peacefully for a day’s torpedo practice at sea. . “Make the signal. Paragraph 11. acknowledge.” he shouted. Coloured flags fluttered in the sunlight from the yardarms of the groat German armada lying prisoner. It was their lust signal—seacocks weie opened and valves smashed. Out of 74 captive ships, 50 sank to their doom in spite of the efforts ot the British Navy to prevent them. And Admiral Von Renter, the man who sank u mighty fleet by mistake, said: “1 am responsible. My office! s and men carried out my orders.’