Nov, 24.
The mass of propaganda which the German authorities have liberated in connection with the bombing incident at Munich, and the illegal mining of areas in the vicinity of the English coast, which has wrought such havoc amongst neutral shipping, and the counter-material which has been issued by the Allies present some interesting features, and, so far as the German case is concerned, food for cynical amusement. More particularly is this the case with regard to the mine-laying, for again the usual haaivete is being displayed. Tt will be remembered that the first reaction to the ne of the sinking was for the Reich to deny: responsibility for laying the mines, and to suggest that they were laid for some obscure reason by the British themselves. Then as the German newspapers commenced to Joice over the damage which had been in-Aicted, it was apparently thought desirable after all to claim authorship of the outrage, and endeavour (o justify what had been done, so that eventually there is the admission that this act of criminality was German in origin, and execution, That was what was expected all alony, and Germany now stands condemned by the admission of her own authorities for this latest dastardly act which the lives of innocent neutrals, women and children were imperilled and Tost. Tt is not necessary always to quote British authorities in support of the Allied ease, Havas quotes well informed French quarters which point out that the reprisals decided upon by the Allies are thoroughly justified as answers to German violations of ternational law and treaties. In August, 1980, Germany signed the London 'Treaty, which she subsequently ratified, whereby she pledged herself not to sink' merchant ships s the safely of passengers and crew had been secured. The Reich also the Hague Convention, of 1907, which provided that mined areas should be notified, and also that the mines should be so cot structed that they would be rendered harm-Jess one hour after breaking loose from their The undertakings present ity for misconception for they are stated and well known in all counies. Not every country has subscribed to them, but Germany most definitely did, and there' is nothing on record to show that she ever denounced those agreements, Alleged competent German quarters seek {to justify this egal mine-laying by asser= tions that Great Britain has been casting, aside one international convention after an= ether, thovzh on the subject are @ complete reticence is maintained,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.