SUNKEN IMALONE

Hokitika Guardian, 28 March 1929, Page 5

SUNKEN IMALONE

CANADIAN CONSUL

CHALLENGES L.S.A. ACTION

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

NEW VOBK. '.March 20

Regarding the sinking of the schooner “Jmaloiic,” it is learned from reliable sources that Mr Tom (Canadian Consul) will report to the Canadian Embassy at Washington that the vessel was fourteen and a half miles out when she was shelled, and that, even had she been closer, it is bis opinion that she would have been outside ot the coastguard jurisdiction. Mr Tom will also report that he believes that the men were gaoled without legal representation. So far as the sinking is concerned, Mr Tom K said to have been of the opinion that, under the terms of the Treaty between the United States and Great Britain, no right has been given to any sliip of this Government to sink a. vessel flying the British Hag anywhere.

Mr 'Tom is reported to have advised the Embassy yesterday that he accepts as Hie truth the c harges made by Captain Randall, master of the “Imalone.”

BRITISH GOVERNMENT

EXPECTED TO ACT’

NEW YORK. March 26

Semi-official sources believe that the British Government will he influenced to make representations to the Washington Government, inasmuch as the right of one ship to transfer a cargo of any kind to another ship outside of the United States territorial waters has never been questioned.

The British Consulate at New Orleans is also said to he annoyed by the attitude of the Customs officials here. The British Consul General is said to resent the fact that statements were taken from the accused members of the “Imalone’s” crew before they conferred with the British Consular officials.

The difficulties of conferring with the members of the crew are said to have inspired a request for a personal interview from the Consul General himself.

BRITTEN’S STATEMENT.

SERIOUS SITUATION CREATED.

(Received this dav at 10.30. a.m.) WASHINGTON. March 27.

Chairman Britton of the House Xaval Committee declared to-day tlie situation created by the sinking of the “Imalone” was very serious. He added: “If the United States is going to chase two hundred miles off the coast and sink ships because they are suspected of rum running, it will be able to chase them through the English Channel into the North Sea and sink them. Such acts lead to. war. I would not be surprised if the incident resulted in strained relations among the United States, Canadian and British Governments.”

FRANCE INVOLVED. WASHINGTON, March 27

The French Consulate at New Orleans informed the French Embassy to-day that the seaman who lost Ins life at the sinking of the “Imalono” was a French subject.