U.S.A. FLEET.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 August 1925, Page 3

U.S.A. FLEET.

[Australia A N.Z. Cable Association.] U.S.A. "PRESS EXAGGERATION. MELBOURNE, July 31. A story published by the Associated Press of America, states there have I keen many assaults on the American sailors in Australia, and that an attempt was mad-e to boycott the fleet. Congressman MeCiititiek. a: comp allying the Elect, has sent a message to President Coolidgc saying that tho statements that sailors were being attacked and the Fleet boycotted were absolutely without foundation. As tho result of special enquiries he made lie could not hear of a single occurrence to which the word attack or boycott could be applied He concluded: “I lie whole of Australia has given us a must wonderful, sincere welcome.”

Admiral Count/, said lie had heard nothing of the Fleet being boycotted. ’The men were being taken to the homes of citizens, and were having a lirst-class good time in a very excellent manner.

Mr Bruce, Federal Premier, expressed regret for the Federal Government at the misleading stateJineuts being published ill America. He said he had been in two States and had seen for himself the warmest greetings extended everywhere to the Fleet. As far as he knew there had not Ikh-ii a single regrettable incident. Mr M. Connors, the Representative with the Fleet, ,of the Associated Press of America, stated that he thought that the statement referred to him. He denied that his despatches had been of an alarmist order. 'The reference to a boycott related to the earlier threats of extremists to boycott the Fleet. He maintained also that Lite messages regarding attacks on the sailors are borne out by Sydney newspaper reports. Mr Rothman (correspondent for the “New York Times”) said his despatches had never mentioned anything oi the nature complained of. Admiral Robinson. interviewed in Sydney, regarding the above, said that far as he gathered, his men were very pleased with their reception. Re regarded the minor disturbances, which had occurred, as being rare of occasion and as negligible in degree.

SAILOR FATALLY - MAULED. MELBOURNE. July 31. An American sailor, whose name has not I wen disclosed, was found badly injured aboard the warship “Omaha . Later he died on hoard. Until enquiries are completed, no further statement will he made. FLEET SEAPLANE'S COLLAPSE. MELBOURNE. July 31. One of the seaplanes attached to the warship “Pennslvania’’ was attempting to execute a loop to-day. when it dived two hundred feet into the sea and sank. The crew were rescued.