EFFECT OF BRITISH BLOCKADE

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13448, 29 March 1917, Page 5

EFFECT OF BRITISH BLOCKADE

PREVENTS GERMAN IMPORTATIONS FROM OVERSEAS. GREAT SHORTAGE OF FOOD AND OTHER NECESSITIES IN ENEMY COUNTRIES. ~~~ (Australian and N.z. Cable Association.) Received March 28, 11 p.m. LONDON, March 28. Replying in the House of Commons to criticisms of the effectiveness of the blockade, Lord Robert Cecil, Minister in charge, declared that the tightening of the blockade had resulted in the complete cessation of overseas importations into enemy countries. The question of home produce of neutrals adjoining Germany was much more difficult. In his opinion, the only way to stop such exports to Germany was by agreement with the neutrals concerned. For example. Norway had agreed to restrict her trade with Germany provided Britain supplied her with refined copper. Lord Robert Cecil proceeded to show that there was a steadily-increasing diversion of Danish and Dutch agricultural products to Britain from Germany. He emphatically declared that Denmark was honestly endeavouring to carry out the terms of the existing agreement. He would be deceiving the country if he did not say there was the greatest shortage of food in Germany as the result of the blockade, also of wool, cotton, lubricants, and other necessities. He was not inclined to disbelieve the repeated and well-authenticated reports of food riots in Germany.