FOUGHT GALLANT ACTION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 59, 3 December 1941, Page 8

FOUGHT GALLANT ACTION

Statement By Minister SYDNEY, December 2. The Minister of the Navy, Mr. Makin, said that though it was not certain what had happened to H.M.A.S. Sydney, it was known she had taken part in “a gallant action with conspicuous success.” ■ “I learned with profound regret that the Svdnev had been posted missing, said Mr. Makin. “While it is difficult to believe she has foundered, the time by which she is now overdue makes us believe that our worst fears are cor"This we do know; She fought a gallant action with conspicuous success and worthily emulated the former Sydney and her fight at Cocos Island 27 years ago. To all the relatives so sadly bereaved I tender my deep sjmpathy. I hope the knowledge that their men served their country with such devotion to duty will afford them some solace. We have not entirely abandoned hope, and the search for the ship or survivors will go on till we are convinced that everything possible has been done.” The Leader of the Federal Opposition, Mr. Fadden, said: “The members of the Opposition share with the Prime Minister an'd his Government their sincere regret at the loss of the Sydney. Personally and on behalf of the Opposition in the Commonwealth Parliament, I wish to extend the deepest sympathy to the relatives and crew of a famous unit of the Royal Australian Navy.”