ACTION BY NORWAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 November 1939, Page 5

ACTION BY NORWAY

RELEASE OF THE CITY OF FLINT GERMAN PRIZE CREW INTERNED ILLEGAL CALL AT PORT. ANGRY PROTESTS IN BERLIN. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, November 4. Tim Norwegian Admiralty imnfirms an announcement ol' the internment of the City of Flint's German prize crew on I lie ground t hat 1 hey insist ed on stopping at llaugesund without permission or valid reason. It was .announced that the vessel was free Io sail when she pleased. She will be allowed to fly the American flag and be manned bv her American crew.

An earlier message from Bergen said the City of Flint anchored in Taugesund so that a sick member of the American crew could be landed. However, Bergen now reports that the ship has arrived there flying the Stars and Stripes. The crew are all in good health and spirits, including the man alleged to have been ill. The cargo is intact.

The Norwegian authorities reveal that the City of Flint failed to stop when a destroyer fired a shot across her bows. The official reason for the German crew's internment is that the vessel illegally entered Haugesund. A Norwegian Royal Decree of 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 Jesoph Gainard of the City of Flint commanded her when she participated in the rescue of the Athenia survivors. The German prize crew were placed aboard the Norwegian cruiser Olaf Trygrason. A Berlin message says the authorities indicated that Germany will take a strong line with Norway. The Charge d’Affaires at Oslo has been instructed to protest against the release of the City of Flint. Germany contends that the commander of the prize crew is a victim of his own humanitarianism, as he called at Haugesund to land a sick American.

An Oslo cable says the German explanation is believed to be a mere pretext. The real reason for the City of Flint’s call is unknown. An Admiralty spokesman declared that, while Norway was naturally concerned over Germany's attitude, she could not allow the 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 be sold, enabling the ship to remain or leave according to the master’s pleasure. Some officials consider it would be best if the ship left as soon as possible to avoid complications and the possibility of a clash through German pressure on Norway. Responsible quarters believe that Norway acted under the most careful procedure. It is not expected that the British will convoy the City of Flint but tliey are certain to remain in the vicinity to guard the vessel against attacks and efforts to seize her again.

It had been expected, a radio message states, that the City of Flint would now leave for a British port but under the Neutrality Act no American vessel is allowed to take supplies to the port of a belligerent country.