MEN TAKEN FROM RANGITANE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23316, 30 April 1941, Page 10

MEN TAKEN FROM RANGITANE

UNDERTAKING GIVEN TO ENEMY GOVERNMENT’S DECISION (P.A.) INVERCARGILL, April 29. Because of an undertaking given to the enemy that they would not again take up arms against Germany or her allies, those members of the armed forces who were released after their capture from the Rangitane are not to be given the option to continue to serve in a combatant capacity. _ Advice to this effect was received from the naval authorities yesterday by Mr Clelan Miller, of Invercargill, who was one of those released on parole by the enemy after the Rangilane was sunk by raiders in the Pacific. Mr Millar was on his- way to England to train with the Fleet Air Arm. . , , ~ The communication received by Mr Millar is as follows: “As a result of consideration by His, Majesty’s Governments in the United Kingdom and in New Zealand, it has been decided that the members of the armed forces who were released by the enemy on giving an undertaking such as you gave, after your capture from the Rangitane, are not to be given the option to continue to serve in a combatant capacity. "The Nava] Board has decided to release the Fleet Air Arm ratings from their undertaking .for service in the Royal Navy, and they will therefore be discharged from the service on April 30, 1941, or as soon thereafter as practicable.” The men affected are given the option of continuing in the naval service in shore establishments in a manner not requiring them to bear arms against the enemy. The personnel released from the raider are being asked whether they desire to be considered for such non-combatant employment,. if it can be made available.”