GERMANY WARNS AMERICA

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21304, 24 December 1940, Page 4

GERMANY WARNS AMERICA

Germany’s Foreign Office spokesman has warned the United States “ that the question of continued peace or possible war between Germany and the United States would hang in the balance as the Reich awaited America’s reply to the proposal by the British Minister of Shipping, Mr Ronald Cross, that Britain might use enemy ships in American ports.” It is clear that America’s readiness to assist Britain “ by all means short of war ” has roused German anger to a high pitch, but the United States Government is probably well aware that German reprisals also will stop short of war. Therefore German objections are not likely to influence the United States’ decision on an admittedly delicate point. Germany is apparently pinning her faith on her ability to wreck Britain’s mercantile marine; hence the constant assistance from the United States is galling. Questions of international law might have to be decided before enemy ships in neutral ports could be made available to a belligerent, but Germany does not trust the United States and consequently is resorting very early to threats. Germany’s claim to refuge in neutral ports would depend upon compliance with several rules, including the payment of dues. Whether all the conditions have been fulfilled is not known. „ The German spokesman uses strong language, but he will discover that he is not dealing with an unprotected small State. Threats will avail nothing. “ This declaration by Mr Cross, addressed to American Press representatives, means nothing else but a demand upon America that she should engage in a warlike act—an act which could only be described as support for England,” he said. “We are waiting expectantly to see how America answers this brazen demand for a warlike act. We have recently become accustomed to the fact that certain circles in the United States permit a formula of action which in itself is clearly in accordance with international law, but which is directed by pettifoggery, and by which an attempt is made to attribute the appearance of international correctness to the resultant actions. Thus we will be extremely interested to hear America’s reaction to this clear demand by the British Minister of Blockade.”