FREIGHTER SUNK

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21371, 15 March 1941, Page 10

FREIGHTER SUNK

CARGO FROM AMERICA BOMBERS AND FOODSTUFFS 30 OF CREW DROWNED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 15, 11.0 a.m.) LOS ANGELES, March 14 The Examiner said today that authoritative harbour circles report that the Norwegian freighter Benjamin Franklin, carrying Douglas bombers and foodstuffs to England, was sunk off the British coast. The captain and 30 of the crew were drowned. SPEED UP PRODUCTION ARMAMENTS IN AMERICA NATION-WIDE APPEAL 'United Press .nasn.—Eiec. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON, March 13 The Federated Security Administrator, Mr Paul McNutt, in a sweeping move to step up armaments production, has issued a nation-wide appeal lor voluntary registration, beginning on Saturday, of all workers available lor making vital delence goods. It is expected that 1,500,000 w'ill register within 30 days. It is disclosed that labour shortages have already developed in 30 occupations. Use of Foreign Ships Maritime officials in Washington stated today that they had planned to enlist the services of 285 foreign ships owned by Americans to carry strategic materials. It was said the officials had sought the voluntary co-operation of the American owners. Failing that, they were prepared to exert moral pressure. If the latter course becomes necessary’, the commission will invoke the law which authorises the Government to requisition ships owned by American citizens during a naUouad emergency".