THE ARCTIC TRAGEDY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 246, 18 July 1928, Page 11

THE ARCTIC TRAGEDY

NOBILE’S CONDUCT - AFTER WRECK CRITICISED

WAS THE ITALIA FIT FOR THE EXPEDITION? ’

INVESTIGATION BY COURT OF HONOUR DEMANDED

In Germany and Scandinavia the conduct of General Nobile after the accident to the Italia is being sharply criticised. A Danish explorer demands an investigation by a of honour into the question whether the Italia was fit for the expedition and into Nobile's behaviour after the wreck.

United Press Association.—By

(United Service.) (Rec. July 17, 7.45 p.m.) London, July 10. Germany and .Scandinavia are beginning to ask whether General Nobile's conduct in leaving his companions and ensuring his own rescue was that of an officer and a gentleman, such for instance *as Captain Oates or Professor Malmgren. The Danish explorer, Peter Frenchen, in an article in the “Politiken,” demands an investigation by a court of honour, Which should say whether German experts arc correct in asserting that the Italia was unlit fqp'tlie expedition, whether Nobile's behaviour after the wreck was pardonable in leaving his comrades and accepting relief, and whether Nobile’s misleading and contradictory declarations brought new danger- and more expense to the relief expeditions. Mr. Carl Ekman, the Swedish Premier, confirms that he plans oflicially Io investigate Professor Malmgren’s death,. The Foreign Secretary demands full light on this outrageous tragedy. . MORE POMP THAN SKILL IN ENTERPRISE “A DEFEAT FOR FASCISM” .WONDERFUL PROPAGANDA FOR BOLSHEVISM ("Times” Cables.) (Rec. July 17, 7.45 p.m.) . London, July 16. Although Rome bus officially denied that Nobile was ordered to try to reach the pole on the anniversary of Italy’s entry into the war, the Italia tragedy, according to a Berlin correspondent, has produced a series of press attacks on Nobile and Fascism, which reached u climax after Nobile was reported to have blamed himself for attempting the achievement on the anniversary indicated. It is repeatedly suggested that Nobile and Malmgren’s two Italian companions snatched at rescue and abandoned their comrades. [ Q.-.V t l 7. r ■«■==!==

llectric Telegraph.—Copyright.

Berlin Paper's Frank Comments. The “Tageblatt” says: “The outcome of this heroic venture is universally regarded as a defeat for Fascism. It is the logical result of a system which tries to bluff the gallery by gestures. What did the Italian general seek in these inhospitable regions? It is difficult to achieve an Imperium Romauum on a fully occupied'earth, but why the North Pole? The enterprise was prepared with more pomp than skill. After trying to force his reluctant companions to decorate the pole with Hags on May 24, this theatrical braggart failed to defy the white solitude with his bloody emblems. Brave men of many nations have had to risk their lives to rescue this discredited mock hero and bis unfortunate companions. Malicious destiny must have directed the Soviet ice-breaker’s course. Excellently equipped and efficiently navigated, this vessel with the Bolshevist name quietly rescued the castaways.” The “Tageblatt,” referring to the Donetz victims, continues: “A nouBolshevlst world has little sympathy with tlie Soviet star shining over five fresh graves, but it cannot refuse its admiration. Fascism is obliged to thank (he enemy from which it wishes to save mankind for a deed of salvation. What irony! Fascism wished to paste its own placard on the Pole. Instead, it presented Bolshevism with this wonderful propaganda material.” MARIANO SERIOUSLY ILL NO SIGN OF AMUNDSEN OR GUILBAUD (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. July 17, 7.5 p.m.) • London, July 17. Advices from King's Bay state that the Krassin is en route to Advent Bay, and is expected off King's Bay. The vessel will be unable to enter the harbour owing to her deep draught. The captain has asked for the doctor from the Clttu di Milano to come to the roadstead to attend Mariano, who is seriously ill owing to gangrene attacking his frost-bitten leg. Riiser Larsen and Hohn returned with the Hobby. They searched East Greenland, but found no trace of Amundsen or Guilbaud.