Among the various benevolent roles assumed at different times by the German Government—defender of European civilization against the Bolshevik menace, liberator of oppressed nationalities, champion bf German minorities in, for instance, the Tyrol and Baltic States—has been that of neutrals' friend.
Neutral shipping, it has been contended, subjected to unwarrantable interference by the British blockade, might confidently rely on Germany's protection; in contrast with the malign nant British Navy, German U-boats were inspired by a spirit of Rotarian benevolence. Service was their motto, and if an opportunity occurred to help a lame ship over a stile, none were more pleased than they.
Experience since the outbreak of hostilities has scarcely borne out thi; contention.
Where the British blockade has
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.