The Sun. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1916. "GOD KELP US!"

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 830, 7 October 1916, Page 8

The Sun. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1916. "GOD KELP US!"

On the heels of the prediction of a neutral to the effect thai the German Fleet, in desperation, will venture, another clash with Admiral Jellicoe in the near future, comes the opinion of the "Kolnische Zeitung" and an anonymous German Admiral thai such an action is contemplated by the German Admiralty. The officer's reference concludes with the words, "God help us." To all good Germans this will appear as an appeal for Divine help against the British Navy; to the world at large it will read very much like an ejaculation expressive of hopelessness and impotence. It is easy to prophesy another naval battle of large proportions, because Germany's military preponderance has been ended, the Zeppelin raids are proving too costly, the submarine menace is. well in hand, and it will be necessary, if the German citizens are not to become too depressed, for the authorities lo do something, probably at sea, in order to try and recover some of their lost prestige. This something may take the form of a stroke at the all-powerful British Navy, which only a day or two since received such glowing testimonials from seve-| ral German journals. On the other hand, the lesson taught the enemy by the battle of Jutland Bank, if it has been learned, may conceivably act as; a deterrent to further blue-water engagements, for this reason: that the enemy fleet only narrowly escaped destruction at the hands of Admiral Jellicoe, and the Germans may not care to run the same risk another lime. The relative losses off Jutland Bank were altogether to the disadvantage of the enemy, and we have the word of the British Admiralty for it that our Navy is in splendid condition, and eager to complete the job so auspiciously begun at the end of May last. There may be no aggravating interference of mist on the next occasion. According to all the rules of war, it would be little less than folly for Germany to once more tempt fortune .'on the open water, the odds are so much in favour of her great rival, but political exigencies may make some such step almost imperative. The blockade is pressing more hardly on Germany than she will admit, though encouraging evidence of ibis is escaping from the besieged nation in spite of a close censorship. The entrance of Rumania into the field has added considerable weight to the strangulation process, but it is the British Fleet that keeps the German people Hungry and their masters uneasy, and, urged forward by a- desperate resolve to end or mend the siege, it is just possible that we shall see the enemy dreadnoughts once more issuing from the Kiel Canal to give battle in the North Sea. It is a consummation devoutly If) be wished. Admiral Jellicoe, Admiral Beatty, and every man in the Navy are keen to essay another test of strength, and are justifiably confident of the result of such a test. A fight fo a finish would suit the Navy down to the ground, but it is certain that the German Admiralty, for all its brave talk, is not so confident of its power to dissi-

pate effectually the "nimbus thai surrounds the British Fleet." Stili, as has been suggested, it is not improbable that the general impotence! of Germany on land may yet drive; her lo desperate endeavour at sea.' And in this connection the recent! irruption of German newspaper comment with, reference to the part played by the British Xavy in the war, possesses some significance. Iti may he intended as a warning to the! German people thai their Heel is| going, lo make .another effort to! smash the enemy and thus break up j the blockade. If this is so, the Germans will not find Admiral Jellicoe either unready or unwilling. j