FOX TIRPITZ PREACHING TO THE GEESE
Reading edition
“You see, my little Dutch Geese, I am fighting for the freedom of the Seas”
On March 25, 1915, the Dutch vessel Medea, on the way from Valencia to London, was sunk by a German submarine, U 28, near Beachy Head, after the crew had had time to save themselves in the boats. The submarine towed the two boats for a quarter of an hour and then left the occupants to their fate.
The German Government considered that the Declaration of London gave it the right to sink neutral prizes laden with contraband. The Dutch Government held firmly to its standpoint that the destruction of a neutral prize was in all circumstances an illegal act and that the prescription of the Declaration of London allowing, by way of exception, destruction of neutral prizes, could not be regarded as established international law.
Its offer to submit the case to international arbitration was rejected by the German Government.
Times History of the War.
