UNIONS PROTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 43, 20 February 1940, Page 7

UNIONS PROTEST.

REPLY TO /GERMANY. Norwegians Express Their Indignation; TERRORISING OF NEUTRALS. (Received 1.30 p.m.) RUGBY, February 19. A commentary on the tendentious outbursts by the Nazis against Britain's alleged violation of international law and of the rights of neutral countries in regard to the Altmarck case, is contained in a resolution of Norwegian unions presented to the Norwegian Foreign Secretary, Professor Koht, on February 16.

"Acting on the information in onr possession, we have resolved to protest with the greatest indignation against the form of sea warfare which is now being waged and which seems to have as its prime object the terrorisation of neutral ships. We also wish to express our disappointment at the prevailing powerlessness in the face of demands that international law should be respected.

"Neutral shipping nations seem to know of no means of demanding a cessation in the massacre of shipping. The number of sinkings which have recently taken place must be condemned as demonstrably conflicting with international law and human feeling. In this connection we will mention the Songa. which, when proceeding from America to a neutral port in Europe, was sunk far out in the Atlantic, the crew being driven out into open boats in mid-winter.

'"We will also mention the sinking /©f the Tempo u the most monstrous thing that can be imagined. This ship was proceeding on a neutral voyage when it was attacked by German aeroplanes, which, not content with sinking the ship, went so far as to shoot at the crew when they got into the boats. So much has been proved by official inquiry. "From official inquiries into the sinking of the Enid, it is also apparent that the crew were exposed to gunfire after they had got into their boats. It may, perhaps, be possible to destrov Norwegjian shipping, but it is impossible to frighten them into staying on the land.

'We can urge upon members not to S° ,n ships which carrv cargo to a belligerent Power that has declared itself proud of war and of aimlesslv murdering defenceless seamen. Seamen's organisations are resolved further to demand that the authorities give due attention to the war on our merchant ™ * rade agreements are concluded, and to ensure that, in future W'll not.he exposed to the illegal' warfare which is now in progress." fa L- haS lost ' 5t is Relieved inLoirfon, 47 ships and 270 lives as a result of German action.