SOVIET BLOCKADE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20915, 21 September 1939, Page 8

SOVIET BLOCKADE

THREAT TO ESTONIA ESCAPE OF SUBMARINE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 20 A new twist is given the European situation as Ihe result of a report from Tallinn that the Soviet Navy is blockading the Estonian coast.

Confirmation of the action is contained in a statement issued by the 'Pass agency from Moscow, in which H is alleged that Polish and other submarines are being sheltered in “ports belonging to certain Baltic States.” It is added that measures are being taken to prevent “possible diversions” by these submarines receiving covert support “by a certain Government personage.” The Estonian authorities are accused of abetting the escape of the Polish submarine Orzel from Tallinn.

Reuter’s agency reports that the Tallinn wireless emphatically denied the Soviet allegations and said the urzel was actually disarmed. Estonian guards tried to prevent her departure, as the result of which several were killed. No Foreign Submarines It is officially reported from Riga that no foreign submarines have been in Latvian waters since the beginning of tbe war. Tbe coastal defences were strengthened immediately after the outbreak of war and it was impossible for submarines to gain shelter. A report from Moscow says diplomatic circles there are discussing the possibility of tbe Soviet invading Estonia. DENIAL OF BLOCKADE SOVIET FLEET NEAR ESTONIA TRADE NOT INTERFERED WITH

(United Press Assn.— niee. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 21, 11.0 a.m.) TALLINN, Sept. 20 The reports that Russia has blockaded the coast of Estonia are denounced as untrue. The -Soviet fleet has gone to sea near Estonian waters, hut has nut interfered with Estonian trade.