CREW OF AMERICAN FREIGHTER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20087, 6 November 1939, Page 7

CREW OF AMERICAN FREIGHTER

GERMAN PRIZE GANG INTERNED

ENTRY TO PORT VIOLATES NEUTRALITY

BERLIN STATES STRONG ACTION PENDING

AGENT INSTRUCTED TO MAKE PROTEST

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (liced. Nov. 6, 9a.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 5

A Stockholm message. stated yesterday that the Norwegian Admiralty had confirmed the internment of the German crew of the American vessel City of Flint, on the ground that they insisted on stopping at Ilaugesund harbour, 90 miles south of Bergen, without permission or valid reason. It was announced that the vessel was free to sail when she pleased. She would be allowed to fly the American flag and would be manned by the American crew.

The German prize crew were placed aboard the Norwegian cruiser Olav Tygrason.

A message from Bergen states that the City of Flint later arrived-there living the Stars and Stripes. The crew were all in good health and spirits, including a man whose alleged illness caused t he'ship to stop at Ilaugesund. The cargo was intact.

The Norwegian authorities reveal that the City of Flint failed to stop when a destroyer fired a shot across her bows.

Decree of Last Year Cited

The official reason for the internment of the German crew was that the vessel illegally entered .llaugcsuiid. A Norwegian lioyal decree in 1938 established that a captured, foreign ship could not be taken to a Norwegian port except for unseaworthiness, lack of fuel, or bad weather. Captain Joseph Gainard, of the City of Flint, commanded her when she participated in the rescue of the Athenia survivors.

A Berlin message says that the German authorities indicated that Germany will take a strong line with Norway. The German Charge d’Affaires at Oslo was instructed to protest against the release of the City of Flint. Germany contends that the commander of the prize crew was a victim of his own humanitarianism as lie called at ilaugesund to land a sick American.

An Oslo cablegram says that the German explanation is believed to be a mere pretext. The real reason for the City of Flint’s call is unknown.

Violation of Neutrality,

A Norwegian Admiralty spokesman declared that while Norway was naturally concerned over Germany’s attitude, she could not allow a crew to violate Norwegian neutrality. The Washington correspondent of the New York Times says it is suggested that the City of Flint’s cargo might he sold to Norway, enabling the ship to remain or leave according to her master’s pleasure.

Home officials consider it would be best for the ship to leave as soon as possible and so avoid complications and the possibility of a clash through German pressure on Norway. Responsible officials believe that Norway acted under most careful procedure.

It is not expected that the British Navy will convoy the City of Flint, but warships arc certain to remain in the, vicinity to guard against attacks or efforts to seize the ship again. A Copenhagen message states that legal experts and Olso officials are meeting at Copenhagen on Monday to discuss technical problems of neutrality.