ANSWER TO NAZI MINE MENACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVII, Issue 21509, 23 November 1939, Page 7

ANSWER TO NAZI MINE MENACE

Will Seize German Exports British Official Wireless RtlGbY, November 21. Questioned in the House of Commons on the Sinking of the Simon Bolivar and the indiscriminate mine-laying on trade routes by Germany, the Prime Minister (Mr Chamberlain), announced that the British Government was not prepared to allow these illegal methods of conducting warfare to continue without retaliation. “In the last war, as a measure of justified reprisals for submarine attacks on merchant ships, exports of German origin or ownership were made subject to seizure on the high seas,” said the Prime Minister. “The many violations of international law and the ruthless brutality of the German methods decided us to follow a similar course now, and an Order-in-Council will shortly be issued giving effect to the decision.” Mr Chamberlain prefaced his announcement by recalling that during the last three days, upwards of ten ships, of which six were neutrals, were sunk with serious loss of life by German mines. The Hague Convention to which Germany was a party, and which she announced her intention to observe as recently as September 17 last, provided that when anchored mines were used every possible precaution must be taken for the security of peaceful navigation. This was the very essence of the Convention, said Mr Chamberlain, as mines could not discriminate between warships and merchant ships, or between belligerent or neutral. None of the provisions of the Convention, which required that a danger zone be notified and that mines, on breaking idbse became harmless, had been observed by the German Government.

The outrage of the sinking of the Simon Bolivar was the culmination of a series of violations of international law of warfare at sea, beginning with the sinking of the Athenia. These events pointed to the increasing disrespect by Germany of the rules of war, and of the most elementary dictates of humanity. Mr Chamberlain’s important announcement was warmly cheered by the House. It is reported from Amsterdam that Hitler consulted his advisers when he Ifearrit of the British plan to retaliate against his minefield policy. The German newspapers boast of the sinkings and disclaim responsibility. They assert that Britain is no longer able to safeguard the sea routes and add that the German sea warfare against Britain will be speeded up. The Dutch press expresses the fear that the British retaliation will further damage the trade of neutrals. Position of Neutrals In connection with the British intention to take reprisals against Germany, official circles in London point out the necessity in view of the notorious lack of regard for truth in German propaganda, for emphasising the fact that his Majesty's Government has not the slightest intention of interfering with genuinely neutral seaborne exports. It is in no sense its desire to interfere with purely neutral trade. The Illegal laying of mines without notice in the paths of legitimate neutral shipping in the North Sea throws an interesting light on German leaflets recently circulated in Holland. These represent that the British so-called blockade is directed towards the starving of neutral women and children. Germany herself, it is suggested, has ample supplies of foodstuffs. It is now clear that if a shortage should unfortunately occur in neutral countries It will be due to indiscriminate mine-laying.

The essence of the British contraband control is that it permits neutrals to import normal requirements for home consumption without Interference.