AMERICAN COMMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11763, 29 July 1916, Page 1

AMERICAN COMMENT.

PUBLIC GREATLY SHOCKED. Australian and IT.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 29. 4.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 28. American newspapers give prominence to the report of Germany's execution of the British shipmaster, Captain Fryatt, for an allegel attempt to rain a submarine. The public is greatly shocked, comparing his execution with that of Nurso Cavell. The "Evening Post" says the execution must be regarded as a brutal violation of international law and likely to result in retaliatory measures by Britain. Washington State officials say the Government follows tbe incident with great interest.* It is recognised that British reprisals may be followed by a more bitter submarine war. A high official states that the United States' attitude is that the master of a mercamle ship has a right to assume that a submarine is liable to attack him and consequently has the right, to forestall him by ramming or shooting. Naval experts point out that a merchantman could not. be classed as a pirate, as the element of illicit gain is lacking.