NO LONGER ASSET

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20086, 4 November 1939, Page 6

NO LONGER ASSET

NAZI MERCHANT SHIPS

15 SEIZED BY ALLIES TEN OTHERS SUNK PROBLEM FOR FUTURE (Elnc. Tel. Copyriglit—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.30 p.m, RUGBY. Nov. 4. The mercantile marine which Germany had built up in the 20 years before the war, consisting of many fine ships which commanded the admiration of seamen of all countries, iias been converted bv Herr Hitler’s action in precipitating the war from a valuable asset to a considerable liability. Idle ships which can no longer venture on the ocean trade routes must be maintained, while more direct losses arise from the loss to the enemy and the harbour dues in. neutral ports. Thirteen German mercantile ships have fallen prizes to the Allied navies, two were scuttled by the French, and eight others were scuttled themselves to avoid capture. The list of captured ships is likely to increase as the vessels sheltering in neutral ports try to get home —a course to which they arc being driven through lack of funds. Already these ships have been selling their cargoes to defray harbour dues. When this means of financing payments is exhausted, since Germany cannot afford foreign exchange for the purpose, the vessels will be faced with the alternatives of accepting sequestration by neutrals or attempting to run the gauntlet of the Allies’ blockade. »