Dogger Bank Report

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume V, Issue 1260, 25 February 1905, Page 2

Dogger Bank Report

The Summary

Russian Attack Justified

No forpecloers Present

Russians Should Have Helped

Trawlers

Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, February 24 ADMIRAL FouRNIER, French representative on the at a private sitting yesterday read the report, which the Commissioners then signed. "A copy waS communicated to the agents. The report was drafted partly from questions and answers, with a record showing whether the answers were unanimous or if there was a majority. lieuter's Paris agency telegrams, and those from St Petersburg, concur, stating that while Russian good faith is recognised, Russia is held responsible for the damage and must adequately compensate tho sufferers. The 6rii'"c 1 ...-sdLibn was-.—" Tv"ere f '?„ riussians justified in apprehending an attack ? Answer : " Yes, in view of the rumour currently circulating."

Second question :—" Was the Admiral justified in taking the precautions lie did, and firing upon what he : thought was torpedoers ?" Answer : " Yt's." The third question was :—" (Jnght the squadron have stopped to render assistance." Answer: -'.No"; but, it is added, " the Admiral ought to have conveyed the information by wireless telegraphy, or otherwise, to France or England." In all other points the report is entirely favourable to British, contentions, and unreservedly dismisses the Russian affirmation of the actual presence of torpedoers. It is also understood it declares that the Russians fired on the Aurora.

Renter's Paris agency reports that the Commission thinks the Russians' fire, whereof the trawlers were the victims, lasted too long, and when Admiral Roshdestvenski arrived in British waters he ought to have informed the maritime authorities of the deplorable incident and molestation of Britishers. The Standard's and Daily Telegjaph's correspondents report that the Commissioners find that Admiral Roshdestvenski ought to have .remained and succoured the trawlers. The text of the findings will be published after the final sittings tomorrow.

PARIS, February 24

The four foreign Admirals g.»ve a dinner to M. Eournier and the officials of the Commission.

Admiral Baron Spaun, arbiter of Commission, in toasting President Loubet, asknowledged the welcome and hospitality extended to the Commissioners, enabling them to bring their task to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion.