EARLIER UNCERTAINTY

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 82, 16 October 1928, Page 9

EARLIER UNCERTAINTY

CONFUSION AS TO COURSE tustrtlUn Press. Association—United Scrvk» :. ■■■■ NEW YORK, 15th October. Earlier messages prior to the airship's actual appearance over Washington indicated considerable confusion as to her whereabouts and course. Officials at the Lakehurst Aerodrome were puzzled^ by a message from the Zeppelin which, at first reported meeting most severe weather north-east of Bermuda. 'Then it was stated that all was well and the fuel supply good, but the course was shifted to the west of Bermuda to seek better wind currents. Messages through the day have varied greatly and. have .been indefinite concerning the ship's position. Naval officers are worried and have ordered all vessels which could be used, if needed, to be held in port.' They believe that'the only answer to the- vary-

ing position of.the airship will be that it turned tail • before a storm and is now returning over a different course. OFFICIALS ANNOYED. It is, now- believed that tho airship will- not arrivebefore 8 a.m. to-morrow. Lakehurst, is: annoyed by the reticence of the Graf Zeppelin in giving a nioro accurate position, as calculations for reception and aid are greatly hampered, but the owners.seem,to wish to hold to tho contract with.some news agency. The situation is becoming a delicate one. A high naval officer stated unofficially that lio would be in favour of "letting them land in the best way they can." . . . No great fears' are yet felt for the passengers and crew beyond a shortage of fuel and food. However, Lakehurst and Washington are endeavouring to discover where the dirigible may be,, but have,been unable to do so up to the present. DESTBOYEKS READY. j The Navy Department at Washington has ordered three destroyers at Charleston, North Carolina, to bo propared to sail within an hour to the assistance of the Graf Zeppelin in case assistanco is requested. . News from Lakehurst states that in the first direct communication to the naval air station; the Zeppelin wirelessed at 5.15 p.m. eastern standard time, Sunday, ten miles south-west of Bermuda, on the course for Lakehurst: "Probably not arrive before the afternoon of Monday. Running south-west to reach more favourable .winds. This is desirable in view of the necessary reduction in air speed. All well aboard. Sufficient fuel." * Later messages from the Zeppelin indicate that she. continued throughout the afternoon to face head winds neai ■the Bermudas, and now apparently is running south-west for an unknown point. Captain Rosendahl advised Lakehurst: "May arrive before to-morrow afternoon," but other messages, apparently from the airship, indicated that she. was heading for Charleston Navy yard. A message stated that tho passengers were disheartened and worried about wheir they will land. Lady P'-ammond-Hay is'continuously attemptin™ to encourage them. Naval officials continue to be surprised by the refusal of • the Zeppelin;'to''divulge, her exact position, but. state that more and more definite reports" would undoubtedly be sent if any danger were threatening.