MINES LAID IN NORWEGIAN WATERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 April 1940, Page 5

MINES LAID IN NORWEGIAN WATERS

In Reprisal Against German Violations of International Law NOTICE GIVEN IN FRENCH AND BRITISH BROADCAST STOPPING CARRIAGE OF CONTRABAND THROUGH NEUTRAL WATERS (By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright? LONDON, April 8. A French and British broadcast early today revealed that the Allied Governments have given notice to Norway.that they reserve the right to take such measures as they think necessary to hinder or prevent Germany from obtaining resources or facilities in Norway. The Allies, the Note stated, had resolved to deny the enemy the use 01. the territorial waters lor the carriage of contraband. They had given notice that three areas of Norwegian waters had been rendered dangerous for navigation by mines, and that vessels entering the areas did so at their own peril. To avoid the possibility of Norwegian or other vessels inadvertently entering these areas, they would be patrolled by British naval vessels for 48 hours after the laying of the first mine. The Allies, the Note continued, w.Ould never follow the German example of brutal violence, and the mine-laying .would not interfere with free access by Norwegian ships io their own ports. . The broadcast stated that if the successful prosecution of the war required that the Allies should take such measures world opinion would not be slow to realise the necessity and purpose of their action.