THE WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12483, 23 November 1918, Page 4

THE WAR.

iibmt tmß, SURRENDER OF FLEET. A REMARKABLE SCENE. LONDON, Noymbr 22. Tho Lion and the Australia had tJio positions of honour, loading tho two linos of tho Allied flpet she miles apart. Tho Gormans steamed down tho centre. There was dead silonco until they were past. When Admiral Beatty in tho Queen Elizabeth steamed down the lino he had an overpowering reception. A similar demonstration was given tho French Admiral. Tho German licet is moored in Largo Bay, Firth of Forth. AMERICAN SQUADRON PARTICIPATES. NEW YORK; November 21. An American squadron, operating as a British unit, participated in the surrender of tho German fleet. A German light cruiser arriving to surrender struck a mine and sunk in the North Sea. SUBMARINE SURRENDER. DRAMATIC INCIDENTS. LONDON, November 21. It was a thrilling moment off Harwich when tho first submarine emerged from the mist. As she passed the British destroyer Mclampus tho order was given that there should be no cheering and that no noise of any kind should De made. A British airship led iu the first section of the German crait, which had their hatches open, no flags and the crows on deck. They wore escorted by British destroyers. The fourth boat, three hundred feet long, was a submarine cruiser, elaborately camouflaged and armed with six and eight-inch guns. Throughout all British gnus were trained on the Germans, to prevent tho possibility of treachery. It was a dramatic moment when Admiral Tyrwhitt, from the flagship of tho Harwich patrol, hoisted the signal: “Leading destroyer lead the way to England. Submarines to follow.” Thus tho surrender was accomplished, tho submarines coming to heel like whipped dogs, British cruisers bringing up the rear. Twenty miles off shore British crews boarded the submarines and brought them to harbour, the German crews remaining on deck. The White Ensign was hoisted as each submarine entered the harbour, with the German flag underneath. In accordance with Admiralty instructions, there was no demonstration of any sort anywhere. Lieutenants boarding submarines exchanged a formal salute with the German captains, who produced thedr papers, and a British crew was sent below to see that the machinery was all right. The Germans displayed some anger when they learned that they were going to Harwich as prisoners instead of going aboard hospital ships and returning to Germany immediately. Some ofheers wept as their boats passed into the hands of their conquerors. One was much upset because hig outstretched hand was ignored by the British officer. Even the crowds of civilians on, the quay received the Germans without a word and treated them with deserved contempt. When all the submarines were safe in harbour the crews were sent aboard a hospital ship and returned to Germany. After each commander had signed a declaration that his submarine was intact the torpedoes were unloaded. After signing one commanding oflicer ignoring the British officer’s salute, walked abaft tho conning tower without speaking. Another, when a British lieutenant lumped aboard, dashed his marine glasses on the deck, in a passion. Most, however, behaved decently. The crows, dressed in their usual working clothes, showed little interest. Then chief anxiety was to return homo. There were no signs of lack of discipline. They waited upon the officers as usual. Twenty more submarines will surrender to-day, and seventy others during the week-end. ADDITIONAL SURRENDERS. LONDON, November 21. Nineteen additional U-boats have surrendered at Harwich. One broke down en route, and has not arrived.

BREACH OF NEUTRALITY. GERMAN TROOPS TRAVERSE HOLLAND. PARIS, November 21. It is understood that the Allied Governments have decided to protest to Holland against her breach of neutrality in permitting German troops to traverse Limburg. CAPITALS OCCUPIED. CONSTANTINOPLE AND BUDAPEST. ■ PARIS, November 21. French troops occupy Budapest and Constantinople.

RESPONSIBILITY. GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING QUESTION. LONDON, November 21. Lord Curzon, in the House of Lords, replying to a suggestion that Germans guilty of crimes against our prisoners should be made personally responsible, said the Government was giving the matter attention, and was consulting with the law officers. GERMAN COLONIES. BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE. WILL SUPPORT DOMINIONS’ CLAIMS. . LONDON, November 21. Replying to Air Wade’s inquiry regarding the Government’s attitude with respect to tho German colonies, tho Hon Walter Long said the utterances of Messrs Balfour and Long on this subject had the entire approval of Mr Lloyd George’s Government, which would wholly support the dominions’ claims. Mr Lloyd George had made this clear to the representatives of the great Allied Powers,

THE CONFERENCE. POINTS FOB DISCUSSION. NEW YORK, November 21. The “Chicago News” states that before the Peace Conference' is convened, the Allies must be in agreement on the following points:?—(l) Shall the conference be open or secret? (2) Equality of economic treatment of all nations. (3) League of' Nations, with reduction of armaments. Thereafter the conference will proceed with the discussion of all remaining questions, including the disposition of territory on the west bank of the Ehne; the future status of German colonies; shall I small States be encouraged to federalism; new boundaries of rstored nationnhuos, how restoration and indemnities are altccted.

PRESIDENT’S .VISIT. ATTACKS IN SENATE. WASHINGTON, November 21. Senator Watson, attacking President Wilson because the Government had taken over the cables, said that if President Wilson attended the Peace Conference the Government would be able to suppress everything it desired regarding Wilsonian activities abroad. Senator' Reed attacked the League of Nations as the most monstrous doctrine ever proposed by an American President, because it embroiled the United States in European trouble. “FREEDOM OF THE SEAS.” MR WILSON’S PRINCIPLE OPPOSED IN AMERICA. NEW YORK, November 21. Tire “ New York Times ” says editorially that President Wilson’s principle of freedom of the seas is not accepted unanimously in the United States, because the principle goes beyond the latest authoritative American declaration concerning the matter as laid down at The Hague Conference in 1909. It is asserted 1 that had President Wilson’s principle been endorsed during the war the Allied nations could not have conquered Germany. It further is declared that the application of the principle would have Erolonged the American civil war indenitcly.

THE EX-KAISER. TRAINLOADS OP STORES. LONDON, November 21. The Amsterdam correspondent of the ‘‘Daily Express” states that the arrival of two trainloads of stores for the ex-Kaiser caused indignation in Holland, where some commodities included m the consignment had not been seen for months. Wilhelm spends most of his time walking in the garden or motoring. The Dutch authorities frustrated his intention of visiting the military flying camp at Soestcrbevg. His lack of consciousness of his position amazes the Dutch. The Bentinck family announce that they are only entertaining the ex-Kaiser at the Dutch Government’s request. “ Handelsblad " states that the Crown Prince and suite will be interned in a small house on the island of Wieriaaen, in the Zuyder Zee.

GERMAN RETREAT, HOPELESS DISORDER. COPENHAGEN, November 21. German newspapers describe tho pellmell retreat of tho Germans. Soldiers commandeered trains. Even the roofs and footboards wore crowded. Some wore swept off and killed when passing tunnels. The hopeless disorder is reminiscent of the terrible scones in Russia. Pillaging and looting are in full swing. Soldiers frequently attack tho gendarmerie. The “ Tagliche Rundschau” states that over 200 persons were killed by an explosion in a factory at Cologne, following the revolutionaries’ unsuccessful attempt to persuade tho workers to strike. HUNGARY AND POLAND. FIGHTING PROCEEDING. AMSTERDAM, November 21. Fighting continues in northern Hungary between the Czechs and Magyar troops. It is reported that Posen troops have summoned tho fortress of Posen to surrender, also the surrender of the whole province. MACKENSEN’S TROOPS. MARCHING WESTWARD. AMSTERDAM, November 21. Maokensen’s_ army, broken into several parts, is marching westward, 20,000 via Kronstadt and 35,000 via Orsova. • 1 TALAAT AND ENVER. SEEK REFUGE IN BERLIN. AMSTERDAM, November 21. Taalat and Enver Pashas took refuge in Berlin, disguised as Gorman officers. They have been interned, and await expulsion after the signing of peace. THE BOLSHEVIKS. ATTACK ON FINLAND. COPENHAGEN, November 21. Three Russian warships cannonaded Vitikalla, Finland, for three hours. Tho Finnish Government, fearing a Bolshevik invasion, ordered tho evacuation of the frontier districts. SIBERIAN FRONT. GUERILLA WARFARE. LONDON, November 21. A correspondent states that there is guerilla fighting on the whole Siberian front. Tho Bolshevik armies number «. quarter of a million, and are well equipped under Jewish and German commanders. They have been ordered to capture Ekaterinburg at any cost. , UKRAINE GOVERNMENT. OVERTHROW REPORTED. NEW YORK, November 21. The Washington correspondent of the ‘‘New York Times” says that the greatest satisfaction .is evinced in official and diplomatic circles at reports of the overthrow of the Ukrainian Government by General Denikine’s anti-Bol-shevist troops. It is poihted out that Denikine’s success will greatly facilitate the'Allies’ handling of Russian problems when the armistice is signed.

PARLIAMENT PROROGUED. THE KING’S SPEECH. LONDON, November 21. The King’s Speech at the prorogation of Parliament referred to the triumphant issue of the war and the conclusion of an armistice which promised ere long an honourable enduring peace. Ho expressed admiration and gratitude for the self-sacrificing devotion of the people of the Allies that had led to the glorious result. Exertions must not be abated until the ravages of war had been repaired and the fabric of national prosperity restored. Through the extension of the suffrage, all classes would hove an opportunity of joining in this beneficent undertaking. NAVAL REVIEW, AN IMPOSING SPECTACLE. LONDON, November 21. The Royal visit to Edinburgh in connection with the inspection of the fighting ships, was an imposing ceremony. The King, Prince of Wales and Admiral Beatty inspected two long lines, stretching for miles. Approximately there were 400 vessels,, including sixty Dreadnoughts. After lunching with the Queen aboard the flagship the King addressed the officers and men. He thanked them on behalf of the Empire for the great share the Navy had taken in securing victory. REPATRIATION. CONDITIONS WORKING SATISFACTORILY. LONDON, November 21. It is. officially announced that the conditions for repatriation of war prisoners are working satisfactorily. A large number are arriving in Britain. MILITARY SERVICE ACT. WHEN IT WILL LAPSE. LONDON, November 21. In the House of Commons Mr Bonar Law announced that the Military Service Act would lapse from the date of the ratification of the peace treaty. TRADE WITH SWEDEN. SHIPPING ROUTES RE-OPENED. COPENHAGEN, November 21. Anglo-Swedish shipping routes have been re-opened.