AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 30 July 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

ITALIA SURVIVORS,

CHARGE OF CANNIBALISM.

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

STOCKHOLM, July 28.

The Swedish rescuers and the Italia survivors have arrived at Kybibo. General Nobile’s car was uncoupled for another route. Only Behounek and his sister ,leffc their berths. They were greeted by friends, including Bebounek’s fiancee. The Swedish rescuers were warmly welcomed by the Defence Minister at Stockholm in the presence of cheering crowds. LONDON, July 28.

Terrible charges continue openly to he made by the Seandanavian Press concerning the fate of Professor Malmgrem. Many British and French newspapers hint there is something mysterious in Malmgrem’s death. Tho London “Daily Herald’s” (Labour) diplomatic correspondent declares: —“It is absurd to beat about the bush any longer in the matter of tho ‘ltalia’ disaster. The charge was openly made in the Scandanavian Press that Malnigrem was killed and eaten by his two Italian companions; also stated that a third man that was seen in a recumbent position by Chuknovsky from an aeroplane was a half-eaten corpse, and that they got rid of it before they were rescued; also that the story of his having died a month before was a fabrication. If this was true, Then the story of the two rescued men could not he true. If, as everybody hopes, the story widely circulated and widely believed is untrue, surely the Italians will welcome a full inquiry to bring out and establish the real facts.”

The “Morning Post’s” Oslo correspondent states that Nilsson, pilot of the Swedish aeroplane “Uppland” confirms that the two Italians’ brought only Malmgrem’s compass, and not his diary. The entire Swedish expedition was greatly surprised at their not doing so, since it was certain that such an experienced man as Malmgram did not omit to keep a diary, which would supply valuable information on the ill-fated expedition.