CLASH OFF ICELAND

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 15

CLASH OFF ICELAND

Gunboat Fires At Trawler

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 pjn.) LONDON, May 5. An Icelandic gunboat fired 12 shells at the British trawler Arctic Viking in an attempt to shoot away the radio aerials and compel the fishermen to surrender, the “Daily Express” reported today. It said the trawler’s skipper, Albert Thompson, radioed the Royal Navy for help—and at the same time asked for permission to give the Icelanders a broadside of signal rockets.

But Commander R. H. Reynolds brought the destroyer Contest into action at full speed and drove off the gunboat with star shells.

The “Daily Express” said the attack was the third on British trawlers in the fishing dispute with Iceland. Firm orders had now been sent about action to be taken in future.

The latest incident, according to the Admiralty, began on "the 100fathom line” —nearly 12 miles from land—last Thursday night with the Icelandic gunboat Thor closing in on the trawler. “The Arctic Viking reported that the Thor had opened fire with live shells,” an Admiralty statement said. “H.M.S. Contest closed in and investigated. “The Thor continued to try and board the Arctic Viking even when outside the 12-mile limit. The Contest fired three star shells from 10,000 yards and the Thor withdrew.

“The Arctic Viking claims that 12 rounds were fired by the Thor, the nearest falling three yards away from her bow.” According to the newspaper, the president of the British Trawlers’ Federation, Major-General Sir Farndale Phillips, said: “The situation is fraught with danger.” Iceland does not permit fishing within 12 miles of the coast.

New Cabinet In Jordan

(Rec. 11 p.m.) AMMAN, May 6.

Jordan’s new Government, headed by Mr Hazzaa Majali, a veteran politician, will be sworn in today before King Hussein. The 23-year-old King asked Mr Majali to form a new Government yesterday, after 60-year-old Mr Samir Rifai resigned because of poor health. Mr Majali, aged 43, who was Premier for a week in 1956. took only a few hours to assemble a new Cabinet. The names of the new Ministers will be announced before the swearing-in ceremony.