NIZIS DENIED USE OF NEDTRAL WATERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 84, 9 April 1940, Page 8

NIZIS DENIED USE OF NEDTRAL WATERS.

NOTICE BROADCAST.

British Warships Guard New Minefields.

FIRST REACTIONS REPORTED

United Press Association.—Copyright

(Received 11 a.m.)

LONDON, April 8. The British and French Governments early this morning broadcast the fact that they have given notice to Norway that they reserve the right to take such measures as they may think necessary to hinder or prevent Germany's obtaining resources or facilities through Norway.

The Allies have resolved to deny the enemy the use of territorial waters for the -riage of contraband. They have given notice that three specified areas in Norwegian waters have, by mines, been rendered dangerous to navigation, and that vessels entering these areas will do so at their own peril.

To avoid the possibility of Norwegian or other vessels inadvertently entering these areas, it was stated, they would be patrolled by British naval vessels for 48 hours from the laying of the first mine. British vessels are now on patrol.

The Allies would never follow the German example of brutal violence in minelaying, and would not interfere with free access for Norwegian ships to their own ports.

The broadcast 6tated that if the successful prosecution of the war required the Allies to take such measures, world opinion would not b« slow to realise the necessity for and purpose of their action.

The French Government announces that a Note has been sent to Norway, in similar terms to that of Britain.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Professor Koht, was in bed when he first heard the news. He refused to make a statement. The British and French Ministers early presented identical Xotes to Norway. British warships are reported to be heavily guarding the minefields.

Authorities at Bodo, in the vicinity of which mines have been sown, have banned coastal traffic, including the route to Svolvor, which is thus isolated from the mainland. Norway is bisected, because the roads from the north to the south are blocked by enow.

Sweden Urges Firm Action. A Stockholm communique says the Allies have not mined Swedish waters. Informed circles demand firm action from Norway, even the sweeping of the minefields, which would risk Allied intervention.

In Stockholm official circles consider that the Allies' action is a flagrant violation of neutrality, but there has been no official pronouncement.

Authorised sources in Berlin predict that the effect of the Allies' action will lie tremendous. They describe it as a far-reaching decision. A member of the Foreign Office Department said that developments of the greatest importance could be expected, the nature of which would depend on Norway's attitude. It is reported that a substantial number of ships have been slipping along Norwegian waters evading contraband control. German raiders have also been slipping out to attack British trade routes. It Is obviously no purpose of the Allies to extend the area of war, but it is felt they should certainly react sharply to any military action on the part of Germany against Scandinavia. Any German action will be followed by British counter-action, while, should Norway sweep the mines, Britain will lay down more.