ALIENS IN SHIP’S TANK

Evening Star, Issue 23381, 26 September 1939, Page 8

ALIENS IN SHIP’S TANK

CAPTAIN AND GREW CONVICTED At West London Police Court five aliens discovered in a small ballast tank on board the Dutch motor vessel Velocitas (197 tons) when she berthed in London were recommended for deportation, and the captain and three of the crew of the vessel were sentenced to various terras of imprisonment and were recommended for deportation. The five aliens pleaded guilty to a charge that, they “ being aliens of uncertain nationality, did attempt to laud in the United Kingdom on July 24 from the Velocitas, at Mount’* wharf, Stevenage road, Fulham, without leave of the immigration officer.”' Leonard! Polder, aged 29, a Dutchman, the captain of the Velocitas, who had been on bail, and who pleaded not guilty to a charge of aiding and abetting the aliens to land without leave, was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. He gave notice, of appeal and was released oh a £SOO surety. Lucas Oorburg, aged 30, ship’s engineer, was sentenced to two months imprisonment, and Cornelius Jacohu* Dekker, aged 24, a sailor, and Angus-' tinus Van San, a Belgian cook, to one, month's imprisonment each. . They had pleaded guilty. At a previous hearing it was alleged that one of the aliens had said: “We were told by the engineer that he would take us ashore, but owing to nearly being suffocated we shouted for help, and were discovered by a Customs officer.”

After hearing evidence, the magistrate said he had visited the Velocitas. “ These five aliens could only have remained in that water tank for short periods of time, for there is no fresh air there at all,” he said. “ I am asked to believe that during the whole of this voyage the captain know’ nothing about the five men who were on this Very small boat. I cannot accept the captain’s evidence. I shall convict liim.” Mr E. J. P. Cussen, who prosecuted for the police, told Mr Bennett that the Commissioner of Police would take every possible step to prevent this trafficking of aliens. It was engaging the active attention of the authorities. “It has undoubtedly been on the increase.” lie said, “but.it is hoped to stamp it out as quickly and effectively as possible.”