GERMAN THREATS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21040, 16 February 1940, Page 5

GERMAN THREATS

TORPEDOING OF SHIPS NEUTRALS INCENSED CRITICISM OF BRITAIN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 15 A message from Berlin states that if neutral vessels bound for the Mediterranean call at Gibraltar for inspection they will theoretically lose their neutrality and may be torpedoed. Britain, it is stated, has unjustifiably compelled vessels to enter harbours instead of searching them on the high seas, and therefore she is solely responsible for any damage to such vessels. It is thought Germany is making this claim in an effort to justify the sinking of the Dutch liner Burgerdijk, which the Nazis alleged was being taken to a control base for examination when she was torpedoed. Neutral Powers in Europe are incensed by Germany’s claim that ships submitting to the British contraband control can be torpedoed. The Dutch press says Germany applies these methods only to small Powers, leaving alone the ships of Japan, Italy and America. Germany could not find a better method of alienating what Dutch friendship is left. Britain Accused The chairman of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mr Key Pittman, accused Britain of “ providing an excuse ” for Germany’s threat. “ I know of no provision of international law that allows our vessels to be taken to a port for contraband search,” said Mr Pittman. “ The whole procedure arouses German suspicion that our vessels are thus actually carrying cargoes to Britain. “ Britain’s excuse for the action is far-fetched and seems ungenerous to the United States. It would be unfortunate for Britain if she lost the friendship and sympathies of the American people, which she now has, by a continuation of this arbitrary policy. The Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, said if the issue was raised the United States would resist, on the authority of international law, Germany’s theoretical right to torpedo vessels.