DRAMAS OF SEA

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20992, 20 December 1939, Page 8

DRAMAS OF SEA

VESSEL SCUTTLED BRITISH CRUISER NEARBY CHASE OF FREIGHTERS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 20, 3.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 19 The correspondent of the American Press at Norfolk, Virginia, says that Admiral Taussig, of the naval operating base, reported that the United States cruiser Tuscaloosa has advised by radio that the German liner Columbus was being scuttled 300 miles north-east of Cape Henry. The Tuscaloosa was standing ~by to pick up the crew.

A later message from Washington says that the White House announced that the Tuscaloosa discovered the Columbus in a sinking condition outside tfce neutrality zone. A British man-o’-war was nearby, but there was no evidence of a fight. The Tuscaloosa was bringing the survivors to an American port. The Navy Department, in a statement, said :“ The Tuscaloosa found the Columbus sinking in the presence of a British destroyer, but as far as we know no unneutral action occurred.” Mr Roosevelt’s secretary, Mr Early, said: “ The British may have caused the German crew to scuttle the Columbus.” The German freighter Arauca is fleeing from a British cruiser anchored at Port Everglades, bringing to a climax a chase on the Florida coast, in which a shot was fired across the vessel’s bow in an attempt to halt her. The port officials said if unarmed the Ahauca will be allowed to remain indefinitely, but if armed she must depart within 24 hours.

DOMINIONS’ WAR EFFORT

SURPRISE TO ENGLAND TRANS-TASMAN AIR SERVICE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright; (Received Dec. 20, 3.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 20 The Hon. P. Fraser, before leaving for Melbourne, said the war effort which New Zealand and Australia w r ere making had been a surprise to England, and the keenest appreciation had been expressed all round. The beginning of the trans-Tasman air service will be discussed in Melbourne to-day, when Mr Fraser will confer with Mr Menzies and other members of the Federal Cabinet. Mr Fraser said there had been talks in London with members of the British Government and British Overseas Air Services, Limited, but no finality had yet been reached. “ We Will Fight On ”

Mr Fraser said he supported the British Labour proposal for the discussion of peace aims—but Germany has shown not the slightest desire to discuss peace, “ so we will fight on.” He added that the part played by H.M.S. Achilles in trapping the Admiral Graf Spee was a feather in New Zealand’s cap.

NORTHERN IRELAND

THE KING’S SATISFACTION VOLUNTEERS FOR SERVICE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 20, 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 19 The King’s speech at the opening of the new session of the Northern Ireland Parliament expressed satisfaction that the young men of the province were volunteering for service with the forces in such large numbers.

HITLER’S PLANS

SEEKING A WAY OUT MAY ATTACK DENMARK (United Press Assn.—Elec Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 19 When a British military spokesman was asked during the first day of Hitler’s hesitancy after the Allied declaration of war whether Hitler was turning his eyes to the west, he replied: “Yes, but his eyes are going in all directions, seeking a way out of an impasse.”

This is equally true to-day, but the weather does not favour a typical German offensive.

The best Allied military brains, while prepared for almost anything from Germany, even an early attack through Belgium, Holland, or Luxembourg, consider that any gigantic move on the Western Front is not likely before the spring. They are convinced, however, that the Allies will be compelled to meet Germany’s powerful army. The opinion in certain quarters is that Germany is more likely to occupy Denmark as an answer to Russia’s expansion and domination of the Baltic. HEAVY GERMAN LOSSES HALF FIGHTING FORCE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyng-nt; LONDON, Dec. 19 The British machines which raided the Heligoland Bight had set out to attack enemy warships. None were encountered, but they were attacked by wave after wave of Messerschmitt fighters. The Air Ministry states that the 12 Messerschmitts shot down represents some 50 per cent of the total enemy forces engaged in this action. The German exaggerations concerning the battle are regarded as an attempt to revive the morale of the German public, shaken by the scuttling of the Admiral Graf Spee.