Tacoma Ordered to Put to Sea

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 1, 2 January 1940, Page 6

Tacoma Ordered to Put to Sea

Will She be Scuttled? HUGE CROWD WATCHES DEPARTURE Urtited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Alonday, 9.30 p.m. MONTE VIDEO, Dec. 31. Following the order to depart by 6.30 a.m. on Alonday (Uruguay time) the German liner Tacoma (which was alleged to be a supply ship for the Graf Spce), has left port and is at present lying near the Graf Spee wreckage where she is tied to tugs by hausers. An official announcement said the Tacoma must leave within 24 hours or be interned. The announcement added Uruguay considered the vessel to be an auxiliary warship. The Tacoma lifted anchor at 4.30 p.m. to-day and moved to the outer port at 4.40 p.m. causing the belief that she will be scuttled. She reached the outer port at 5.25 p.m. when a huge crowd lined tho waterfront. Tho Tacoma dropped anchor at 5.40 p.m. It is estimated that 60 are aboard. Tho battle flag was run up as the vessel began to move, says a report from the correspondent of the Association of America Press. Tho correspondent of the United Press of America states that a maritime official said several bundles, including a box of medical supplies, were removed prior to the departure. Two tugs accompanied her. The Tacoma is apparently fully fuelled. The authorities believe she is awaiting orders and they fear scuttling in the channel. The gunboat Lavalarja and the cruiser Uruguay are standing by to prevent unauthorised craft approaching. A later message from Alonto Video said that at 10 p.m. the Tacoma was still anchored. Well-informed quarters expect she will sail after midnight and try to reach Buenos Aires where it is reported she will not be regarded as a naval auxiliary. At 10.30 p.m. the master again protested, alleging that he had not received specific instructions as to which channel to use when leaving port. It is believed the manoeuvre may permit him to remain in Uruguayan waters after the 6.30 a.m. deadline.