WILL RUN THE GAUNTLET

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20988, 15 December 1939, Page 7

WILL RUN THE GAUNTLET

BRITISH CRUISERS LYING IN WAIT MUCH DAMAGE TO GERMAN BATTLESHIP

RISK OF INTERNMENT THROUGHOUT THE WAR (United Press Assn.—Klee. TeL Copyright) (Received Dec. 15, 11.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 14 The National Broadcasting Company, broadcasting from Uruguay, believes that the German battleship Graf Spee is preparing to sail almost immediately, and will run the gauntlet of the British death watch outside Montevideo. The German tanker Tacoma has sailed, carrying 600,000 gallons of fuel oil. Presumably it will await the Graf Spee. The broadcaster further describes the damage to the Graf Spee as follows: A hole five or six feet in diameter on the port side, sixty feet from the bow and five feet above the waterline; the forward observation tower split through; one of the towers near the forward 6-inch guns practically torn from its base. The Montevideo correspondent of the United Press says sources close to the German Legation expect the Graf Spee to leave within a week. LONDON, Dec. 14 An Admiralty communique does not report the number of killed and injured in the naval engagement. It states that two British cruisers pursued the Graf Spee towards River Plate and now, strongly reinforced, await her in the estuary. Very large forces have searched the South Atlantic, both by air and sea, for weeks. WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 Under the United States’ conception ol international law the Graf Spee cannot remain in Montevideo repairing the damage caused by enemy fire. It is believed that a similar view prevails in Latin America, suggesting that she must go to sea unrepaired or risk internment throughout the war.

SHORTAGE OF SHIPPING

CONCERN IN AUSTRALIA SERIOUS POSITION REPORTED WHEAT AND FRUIT SUPPLIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyngnt; (Received Dec. 15, 11.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 15 The question of obtaining adequate shipping space for Australian exports nas engaged the attention of the Federal Economic Cahinet. It is understood the position is regarded seriously, particularly as regards wheat and fruit. Ministers cannot see any way out of the impasse which is likely to arise from the shortage of shipping freight and which is likely to have grave economic repercussions.

IN THE NORTH SEA

GERMAN CRUISER DAMAGED ABLE TO REACH PORT (United Press Assn.—Elec Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 15, 1 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14 A German communique, issued ct Berlin, states: “ Our naval forces have operated in the northern North Sea during the last few days. On the return trip an underwater explosion slightly damaged a light cruiser, but it was able to reach port.” SUNK BY MINE BRITISH NAVAL TRAWLER (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 15, 1 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14 The Admiralty annouces that the naval trawler William Hallett, was sunk by a mine. There was only one survivor.

DEBATE ON SUPPLIES

SECRET SESSION OF COMMONS NO OFFICIAL RECORD KEPT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 14 The only report of the secret session of the House of Commons permitted is the Speaker’s statement, as follows: “ The adjournment of the House was moved by the Prime Minister. “ A debate occurred on the organisation of supplies for the prosecution of the war.” No official record of the debate was kept. Even the daily Parliamentary report which normally is conveyed to His Majesty was withheld. The session lastM seven and a-half hours, which was the time limit.

IThe British Consulate was transferred yesterday from Helsinki to Pori-Bj omeberg.

ROYAL AIR FORCE

AIRMEN IN ACTION

EAGERNESS OF THE MEN WANT CRACK AT ENEMY SIR CYRIL NEWALL’S TRIBUTE (United Press Assn. —elec. Tel. copyngnu LONDON, Dec. 14 “Their morale is excellent and they are all waiting eagerly lor any calls that may be made on them. I think there are few things they would like better than a chance to have a crack at the enemy." This was the opinion which the Chief of the British Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Cyril Newall, expressed at the conclusion of a visit to the Royal Air Force at war stations in France. "Although the men have endured a period of relative inactivity, good use of waiting time has been made in training,” said Sir Cyril. “The men have learned a lot of lessons through the successful contacts already made with the Germans. "The eight-gun fighters come fully up to expectations, and both bombers and reconnaissance aircraft, in spite of opposition, have most successfully completed all their missions carried out in enemy country.” Deserved Great Credit Sir Cyril paid a tribute to the workmen, manufacturers and maintenance staff, who, he said, deserved all the credit that could be given. The British aircraft's remarkable freedom from trouble, although exposed to all weathers, justified the magnificence of the manufacturer, the men and the material. The Air Chief expressed the gratitude of the Royal Air Force for the great help given by the French military authorities and also French civilians, among whom members of the Royal Air Force were billeted. The villagers and the men of the Air Force had taken to one another, and a real spirit of comradeship had sprung up. After visits to advanced fighter squadrons, Sir Cyril paid a courtesy visit to the French squadron.

GERMAN PLANES DAMAGED BOMBERS FROM AMERICA (United Press Assn—Elec. Tel. Oopynrlu LONDON, Dec. 14 The Air Ministry announces that Iwo coastal command aeroplanes yesterday attacked two Dornier flying-boats over the North Sea. The enemy’s rear gunners were hit and the Domiers were damaged by machine-gun fire before disappearing in the clouds. Reports from the United States say that another 470 bombers have been ordered from America by the British and French Governments. Of this number Britain is taking 200 reconnaissance bombers. The speed of the craft is over 300 miles an hour.

M. Paderewski, famous pianist and former Premier of Poland, has been appointed president of the Polish National Council,_ which will advise General Sikorski’s Government.