ISLANDS RAIDED

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21364, 7 March 1941, Page 5

ISLANDS RAIDED

SURPRISE FOR NAZIS SHIPPING DESTROYED NORWEGIANS RESCUED (Omclal Wireless) (Received March 7, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, March 6 A joint Admiralty and Norwegian naval communique states: It is now possible to give further details of the raid carried out against German interests in the Lofoten Islands on Tuesday. These details show that the raid was completely successful. The raid was planned with a threefold object. Firstly, it was desired to destroy the plant used for the production of fish oil. This is the season in the Lofoten area in which the production of fish oil takes place and the whole of the fishery products, like all other Norwegian production, are required by Germany. The second object was to destroy any German ships or ships under German control found in the locality. Thirdly, it was desired to take prisoner Germans concerned in the control of the fishing industries and such local Quislings as were aiding and abetting the enemy. The raid developed early on Tuesday morning, when German shipping and shipping under German control were dealt with by our light forces. Meanwhile Norwegian marines and British troops landed and all the objects of the raid were carried out with conspicuous success. Nine German merchant vessels'and j one German-controlled Norwegian merchant ship were sunk, also a German armed trawler. The losses inflicted on enemy shipping totalled approximately 18,000 tons. The largest unit sunk was a ship of about 10,000 tons, which was fully laden. All Objects Achieved Having achieved all their objects, the Allied forces withdrew, bringing with them 215 German prisoners and ten Quislings. Our forces also brought back to England a considerable number of Norwegian patriots who were anxious to join their countrymen in fighting for the cause of freedom. The opportunity was taken to supply for the benefit of the local population consignments of foodstuffs, soap, cigarettes, clothing and other comforts, of which the Norwegian population had been robbed since the German occupation. The removal of the Germans and Quislings made it possible to supply these stores to the Norwegian population without danger of their being diverted to enemy use. The raid was carried out with little opposition, but one German naval officer and six ratings were killed. No damage or casualties were sustained by our forces. It is worthy of note that the German statements issued about the raid stressed the complete surprise which was achieved by the Allied forces in this successful operation. PROTEST BY AMERICA ROBBERY AND DESECRATION CATHOLIC CHURCH IN MOSCOW (United Pres.** assii. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON. March 6 The State Department has protested to the Soviet against the pillaging and desecration of the American Roman Catholic Church in Moscow. It said the Church had been robbed five times. Originally the department protested informally, but as a result of the desecration a formal Note was sent. Staff members of the Embassy worship there. AIR B)SE IN ALASKA UNITED STATES PLANS GUARD FOR BIG AREA (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 7, 11 a.m.) WASHINGTON, March 6 Informed circles have disclosed that the Army is contemplating the establishment of a huge air base at Chernofski, in Alaska, near the present naval and air station in the Dutch harbour. It would contain sufficient naval aircraft to guard a sea area of 800 miles radius. FOOD IN BRITAIN NEED FOR MORE PRODUCTION MINISTER’S FRANK TALK ; United Press *.ssn. —“loc*. Tel. copyright) LONDON, March 5 A frank exposition of the f,ood situation end the vital need for farmers to produce every possible ounce of food from the land was made in a speech by the Minister of ; Agriculture, Mr R. Hudson. | He explained that in the past 20 I years stock farmers had relied very I largely on imported feeding stuffs j and failed to supply their own. Supj plies of feeding stuffs available were i below the demand, and an even further reduction in the ration, below the 50 per cent, cut coming into operation on April 1, must be expected. As much grassland as possibly must, be put under the plough. These two factors would mean a reduction in the number of livestock it was possible to feed adequately. Whereas cutting down was asked for in this direction, expansion was necessary in providing crops of human food from the land. For this purpose the Government had guaranteed the purchase of the entire onion and carrot crop at a price which might be said to be generous.