DRASTIC ACTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 83, 8 April 1940, Page 7

DRASTIC ACTION.

GRAF SPEE CREW. Argentina Angry At Breach Of Hospitality. WILL NOW BE IMPRISONED. United Press Association.—Copyright. XEW YORK, April 7. The "Xew York Times" Buenos Ayres correspondent says all the officers and half the crew of the Graf Spee have been ordered soon to be confined to the naval prison on Martin Garcia Island in the River * Plate. They will thenceforth be treated an prisoners instead of as interned seamen. This drastic action is the result of Government irritation at the Graf Spee crew's breach of Argentine hospitality, and specifically the disclosure of the escape of three officers, including the third in command and two sailors, and the persistent refusal of the officers to pledge their honour that they would not escape. The prisoners include Commander Kay and the second commander. The Associated Press Buenos Ayres correspondent says one escapee is reported to have reached Germany with documents from the scuttled Graf Spee. It is revealed that there have been numerous attempts to escape by members of the crew interned in the interior. The Government, in a statement explaining its action, said: "Argentina has been excessively generous to these officers. We cannot allow our rcutrality to be jeopardised, and we are therefore making sure they will not be able to return to resume belligerent action."