1940-02-19 — Page 14

Monday,

HONGKONG TELEGRAPH

February 19, 1940.

Seeking

DRAMATIC DETAILS Finland OF ALTMARK FIGHT Military

Nazis Fled Ashore, Opened Fire On Destroyer With Rifles

Britain Protests

LONDON, FEB. 18 (REUTER)—IT IS OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED To

IN BERLIN THAT SEVEN GERMANS WERE KILLED IN THE ALTMARK INCIDENT AND THAT ANOTHER IS MISSING, PRESUMED DROWNED, FIVE WERE SERIOUSLY WOUNDED.

About 150 of the 250 of the Altmark's prisoners, who were taken to hospital at Leith, were able to leave to-day to roturn to their homes,

A dramatic account of the boarding party's exploit was given "Router" to-day.

The officer in charge of the party leaped eight feet from Cossack to the Altmark, waving a revolver and shouting "Come

follow me!"

Rescued Briton Tells Of Ordeal

LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter). -Interviewed by the BBC, one! of the British sailors freed from the Altmark, to-night broadenst a short account of the terrible conditions under which Nazis kept over 300 British sailors.

the

He said the food was small and scarce. The daily menu ran as follows:

Three thin pieces of black bread; tea with no sugar or milk.

Breakfast at 7am.

Dinner ut 2.30 pm. One pint of soup or tinned potatoes and meat.

Tea at 5.30 p.m. Three thin pieces of black bread and another cup of sugarless and milkless tea.

That was all.

LIKE FRIGHTENED RABBITS

to

the

on,

The Germans scuttled like frightened rabbits and left the ship as hurriedly as they could get overboard. They took positions on high rocks and opened fire blindly, wounding one man in the shoulder.

It was then that the British fired in retaliation. Among those still in hospital are about 70 Lascars, who are expected to be discharged to-morrow. STILL AGROUND

The Altmark is still aground with about 100 Germans aboard. She is being guarded by Norwegian warships.

A Norwegian doctor went on board when the British left and treated the wounded Germans, three of whom have been sent ashore to hospital, BEST TRADITIONS UPHELD

LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter ).—I was in the best traditions of Nelson and an action that was fully justified." says boll public and Press opinion in Britain to-day in connection with the Altmark incident,

After recounting the story of!

the rescue of British sailors, DEBUNKING

THE NAZIS

which it calls a "heartening

piece of news," the "Sunday

Times" says that it is regrettable Cards Kept Spirits Alive.

that we should have to do any-" When the desperate attempt at thing to affront a country which mutiny was discovered they were all has so many claims on our respect as put on bread and water for two days. Norway, but the Norwegian authorl-

The British sallors tried to keep thes on the spot put themselves. In the| up their spirits by starting card wrong. schools, contract and auction bridge and cribbage

all attracting devotees, There was little exercise possible, although they managed to play lep frog.

But they had to be careful nat to jump too high otherwise they got a nusty crack on the head.

Norwegians Criticised

Oslo Paper Becomes Realistic

Norway

Alliance?

Reported Approach To The Allies

17

STOCKHOLM, Feb. (Domei). The "Folketz Dagbritt" says that the Finnish Government is now making earnest efforts to conclude a military agree ment with Britain and France.

LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter). -The Foreign Office states:

The paper reports that the "Lord Halifax yesterday Finnish Premier, Dr. Riti, and lodged a complaint with the the Finnish Foreign Minister, M. Norwegian Minister against Tanner, will shortly visit Lon- the failure of the Norwegian don to ask for further assistance.

authorities to establish the presence of between 800 and 400

the British prisoners aboard Altmark when she was searched at Bergen.

"The Norwegian Minister was asked to obtain urgently an explanation of the circumstances which have given rise to this complaint.

Swedish Rojection Of Appeal

STOCKHOLM, Feb. 17 (Domei)-The Swedish Govern- ment to-day officially confirmed for that the Finnish request military aid has been rejected because it tended to prejudice

"He was informed that fi appearedSweden's neutrality.

Since the outbreak of the Soviet-/ to His Majesty's Government that the Norwegian Government had, in this Finnish dispute Sweden has been matter, falled in their duly as a firmly refusing to send regulár troops neutral. and that His Majesty's to Finland avoiding involvement in

war though

und financial Government felt that the case against the this particular ship was such that they humanitariun assistance has been were justined in pressing that the permitted. Altmark should be interned."

Informed political quarters, how- ever, understand that Sweden's neu- tral policy will become all the more dificult since Sweden is in a post- tien to relay the supply of arms to Finland. Some circles understand that Britain will so regulate her: supply

to meat, rubber and oil

positive assistance to Finland.

Strong Note To Norway LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter)--The British Government's communication to the Norwegian Government says that it is notorious that the, Altmark participated in the depredations of the Graf Spee to which she had actedweden is to make the latter extend as an auxillary.

The

Brillsh Government had the reasons, confirmed by British subjects

taken off the Grit Spee and pre- viously imprisoned in the Altmark,

to know that there were some 300 or 400 Britishers aboard who had long been living under intolerable condi-

tions.

Sweden's "No" To Finland SPECIAL TO, THE "TELEGRAPH" COPENHAGEN, Feb. 18 (UP),

The Danish radical newspaper Politi- ken says: "The Swedish; Preinter's 'no' to Finland was certainly not an eusy 'no'."

It has evoked a deep feeling in The Altmark was also credibly be-Sweden, which is divided between eved to possess offensive e-armaments. Inter desires and realiste considera-

Ship's Record Well Known tion.

The record of the Altmark must "It can be expected that from the have been well-known to the Norwe-side of those elreles who insisted on gian Government, and in the view of direct intervention in Finland, will His Majesty's Government, it was in-come a stronger effort to make the cumbent on the Norwegian Govern- Swedish Government change its at- ment when she entered Bergen and titude. These circles were hitherto requested passage through Norwegi- an absolute minority, but it has often au territorial waters to subject her to

been experienced that a change in a very careful search.

publle sentiment has been able to dis- 11.M. Government would be grate-lodge the Swedish Government. ful for full particulars with regard to Nevertheless, it is probable that how the search was conducted and what facts discovered.

Porfunctory Examination Reports received by H.M. Govern- ment have Indicated that

WAS perfunctory as

LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter).-The Oslo paper, "Dagbladet," on February examination

the

up-

17 commented ironically on the Ger-shown by the fact that no prisoners man report that February 15 was a

were discovered.

After referring to Norway They had no business under in- "successful" day for sea warfare and fernational law to allow Norwegian that protests against inquiries into parently falling in her duty as

being held in neutral, the note asks if they had waters to be used for taking British ship sinkings are

camera.

found_British prisoners aboard what prisoners to Germany.

The Hundel"referring to 118

There was also a system of barter-use these waters and why did the publication of the German ofciaf/ Would they have done with them?

Towards the end tobacco

interpretation of sea warfare, writes: The German radio broadcast yester day parts of the article and presented selves. It was an allempt to gull Germany and the neutrals by the abuse of our paper.

Not So Gullible

Norwindy Graphic" informs the it as though we had written it our-

Why did Norway allow them to was so Norwegian authorities tell the British scarce that it was selling at £1 a destroyer commander that there were pound, and a box of matches cost no British prisoners on the Altmark? sixpence.

The

the Government that whole of British public opinion sup- considers The British Press also ports, I.M.S. Cossack's action. that the Nazi protest has not a leg to stand on. The squeal that has gone up from Germany does not alter our judgment in the least, says the paper.

Nazi Doctor Landed The rescued salior closed his all by praising the Nazi doctor-un board for his kindness and humanitarian spirit.

"If ever I met a white man it was that doctor," he declured, adding "We tried to find him at the finish to thank him. He bandaged up our naval rating last night."

Either they would have released them or anyhow have held them pending a full examination of the position.

H.M. Government felt, therefore, that they had every right to complain of the inaction of the Norwegian

Government.

The 300 Britishers were kept for "In future we cannot see our way weeks and months in close confine- to accept any explanation from thalment and If those prisoners had found we shall Judge every their way to a camp in Germany, the quarter and authoritative German notlication Norwegian Government would have from the experience we have had been responsible for their fate. with this article.”

The note concludes by demanding The same paper. in a. editorial the interncat of the Altmark.

describes When the murderers of the high comment,

the Altmark seas Invoke legal protection for affair as "something which Berlin their ships, it is time to laugh. One of the released prisoners,

Norwegian neutrality" and sots Aubrey Jenitins, of the Dorie Star, There is little question that the shrieks out to be a frightful breach of

Relished The Job

Time To Laugh

the case of German

told a thrilling story of the bravery British tellon has aroused misgivings against it

Ameri- trawlers violation of Norwegia

and daring of the men from the Cos-in view of the difficulties the

sack.

of the Altmark, men from the Cos "New York Times Pendent of the

to relish the venture as

they with pistols and flashing bayonets

Оде

German

Churchill To Speak

Death Of Mrs.

C.-S. Alves

Prominent Church And Charity Worker

Soares.

Nazi Threats To Neutrals

Won't Tolerate Aid

For Finland

the conillet over the English violation

of Norwin neutrality will weaken

the activists sentiments,

"For here is a situation which all Swedes, without exception, want to avoid-n situation whereby Sweden might be drawn into the war and which might make Sweden a theatre of war."

Land Mines

Work Havoc

French Patrol Suffers Casualties

PARIS, Feb. 18 (Reuter).- One was killed, three are missing and eight have been seriously in jured as the result of Nazi land- mines.

these A French patrol suffered ensualties when it penetrated Into German territory west of the River Saar.

German companies attacked two French outposts on Saturday. They were repulsed,

German Communique SPECIAL TO THE "TELEGRAPH” BERLIN, Feb. 18 (UP)-To-day's communique issued by the German High Command said: "During patrol operations west of Merzing yesterday several prisonera were brought in.

"A# already announced by

week, special message during the during the period February 11 to 17 German naval ships

measures sank 32 of 128,174 tong both of British and French registration. A British airplane of the Blenheim type was

can nations have experienced in fisheries and the disappearance of

naval character, suys the Norwegian ships. He said: "Immediately the grap-matters of pling irons were affixed to the sides Washington

He continues: sacia fairly leapt to their job. They val auxiliary cruiser, as the pre- "Nevertheless, if the Allmark was a apped on the Altmark's decki sence of German sailors on board her would seem to Indleate, there is con-

PARIS, Feb. 18. (Reuter).- According to authoritative in- "During the scrap, it was obsiderable justification for the British

formation, received in Paris to- us that the Germans had not action." vious

face the brave and

night, Germany has officially in the stomach reckless gallors.

LONDON, Feb. 18 (Reuter).—Mr.

formed Norway and Sweden standing alongside me raised a

that she would regard any direct pistol to shoot one of the boarding Winston Churchill, the First Lord of

The Portuguese community has aid given by those countries to party, but he was not fast enough, the Admiralty, is expected to make a

lost a deeply respected member in Finland as a breach of neu-also shot down." Another ex-prisoner, George John-statement in the House of Commons

Nazi Attack Fails *** the death early this morning of Mrs. slon, of Newton Beach, produced on the Altmark capture. copies of a statement made to the

Astonishing Claim

PARIS, Feb. 18 (Reuter)-A cam- Carmen Soares Alves, wife of Mr.trality.

This is considered to have been the Newton Beach crew by the Com-

LONDON, Feb. 16 (fleuter)-The C. J. M. Alves, of 382 Prince Edward

reason why Sweden rejected the munique Issued to-day states: "Af- mander of the Graf Spee and by the

ter very heavy preparation with Commander of the Altmark to the German claim that the Altmark is an Road.

"unarmed merchantship". has caused Mrs. Alves was 54 years of age, and Finnish appeal for military assistance

trench mortars, the enemy attacked prisoners,

Believed To Be A Bluff one of our outposts to the east of The statement by the Graf Spec's considerable astonishment in Lan- was the only sister of Mr. A. M. L. against Russia.

the Moselle. He.failed entirely. commander stoled among other don.

*Born in Hongkong, Mrs. Alves was The German attitude is held to

"On other parts of the front, there things: We, the German people, It is authoritatively pointed out that wish to have peaceful relations with there is no trace of any vessel called a prominent inember of the Portu- prove that any country alding a

a neighbour attacked by Russin must Was patrol activity on either side." Altmark in Lloyd's Register of Mer-guese community, and devoted the English nation inut owing to your chant Shipping.

great deal of her time to church and reckon on having to deal with 'Ger- country declaring war on mine, I

On the other hand, in the June, charitable work. She was one of the many as well as the Soviet.. am forced to taite your ship as a 1030, 1st of coast and ship stations founders of the St. Terean's Church, The Press, however, opines that prize of war to defend our honour published by the International Union and her offoris on behalf of charity, Germany will hardly dare to imple- and Ilving."

of Telegraphle and Wireless Com-Bithough accomplished very quietly, ment her threat as it is against her Rovongo Treatment

munication at Berno. - German occupied much of her life.

Interests to create another war front. Altmark's commander's state- vessel named Alimark appears, an a The funeral will take place to- The

Newspapers generally stress the mont quoted a report in Dutch nowa warshly.

morrow afternoon, and a Requiem view that the solution of the problem Mass will be said in St. Teresa's of saving Finland lies with the papers deseribing the treatment of

Church on February 20,

Scandinavian Stulenge derman prisoners in Africa. and add-]

10,000 Italians To Aid Finns ed that becatise of this, any request)

Britiali by

PARIS, Feb. 18° (Reuter) — legion of 10,000 Italling living in would be definitely rotused.

*France, ̈*' headed, by Camillo

Marabinl, President of the Italian, -Garibaldeans' who fought "In Arronno during the Great War, la leaving for Finland shortly, according to a statement · by Bignor Marabini to the nOWE- "papor,' "L'Intrans/geant."

prisonert in the ship BRITISH TANKER

BLOWN UP

JERUSALEM, Feb. 18 (Rouler) LONDON, Feb. 10 (Reuter).-The High Cominisaloner for Palentine, Sir Captain and a fireman lost their lives Harok! MacMichinel, to-tay inspected when the 3,050-ton British alaumer, and addressed Palestinian Araba and Daron Allsa, sank after an explosion Jowish volunteers in the Auxillary in the North Sen Inst night.

The remaining 34 were saved. Military Pioneer Corps,

Maltese To Join R.A.F.

MALTA, Feb. 18 (Reuter)-Re-l eruiting for to R.A.F. has been arranged for Maltese nationals under the same conditions as for those in Britain, It ja announced,

Roosevelt In The

Panama Canal

CRISTOBALS, Feb. 18 (Reuler) — President Roosevelt arrived at Gatun Docks in the U.S.S. Tuscaloosa at B a.m. E.3.T. to-day and disembarked- an hour later to inspect the Panama Canal locks and defences.

After his inspection, President Rodzevelt crossed the Isthmus of Panama by train and re-embarked on: the Tuscaloosa_at Miraflores Lock. :

It is, balieved that he plans to go to Pearl or Cocos Islands for n few. returning days' fishing before through the Canal.

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