MURDER OF DEFENCELESS SEAMEN

Evening Star, Issue 23496, 9 February 1940, Page 7

MURDER OF DEFENCELESS SEAMEN

RUGBY, February 8. (Received February 9, at 1 p.m.) la the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain spoke of the background of the recent Paris meeting of the Supreme War Council. This larger meeting seemed to him even more valuable and businesslike than on previous occasions. '“ I have, indeed , the impression as the weeks go by that the Council is ateadily growing in importance and baa become not merely a convenient means of harmonising the view of the two Governments, but vital in the successful prosecution of the war,’* he said. “ M. Daladier had said the Council now conducted its business almost as if it were the Cabinet of a single Government. That is not to say that the Government of either country has in any way surrendered its responsibility, but an understanding has been reached which will prove an essential factor in the eventual victory of the Allies. This time I returned with the conviction that the bond between our two countries is something greater . than even a close alliance which common -purpose and dangers have enforced. It has become a deep and lasting friendship between our two |>eople3. A short and sufficient answer to every enemy endeavour to sow dissatisfaction between ns is the phrase I have heard so often on the lips of my French colleagues: ‘ Nous sommes d’accord.’ ” FINLAND. Turning to Finland, Mr Cham- - Nrlain said the success which had hitherto attended Finnish arms had evoked the admiration of the world. f‘ We.f ejoice,” he • smd, “ to, think that the help which has beirv given from this country has been of real value to Finland. I am glad to say that further aid is now on the way.” THE BALKANS, The announcement after the meeting of the Balkan Entente indicated the determination of these countries to do everything in their power to maintain stability and security in south-eastern Europe, said Mr Chamberlain. “The decision is most welcome, especially if, u I believe is the case, other States in south-eastern Europe have this important object equally at heart. The British Government warmly sympathises with these efforts, which, it sincerely hopes, may be attended by success.” The Premier also referred to the friendly discussions with the Greek financial delegation, which resulted in satisfactory agreements on a number of financial and economic questions of mutual interest to the two Governments, including a settlement of the service of the Greek external debt for the duration of the war. WILD EXAGGERATIONS. Reviewing the happenings in the war theatres, the Prime Minister said that there was no change in the military situation on the western front. In the

WESTERN FRONT FRENCH PATROLS ACTIVE PARIS, February 8. ' (Received February 9, at 10 a.m.) A communique states: “There was Increased activity by our patrols during the night.” LIVELY EXCHANGES OF FIRE PARIS, February 8. (Received February 9, at 11 a.m.) ■ A patrol penetrated the German lines deeply between the Moselle and the Saar, and brought back valuable information. There have been lively exchanges of fire between infantry manning the casemates of the Siegfried and Maginot Lines. GENERAL WEYGAND’S COMMAND FORCES IN FAR EAST PARIS, February 8. (Received February 9, at 1 p.m.) It is authoritatively stated that General Weygand’s command in the Near East numbers 275,000.

(British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Coyprighfc

air winter conditions had exposed men and material to the sternest test, which had been borne unflinchingly. Mr Chamberlain mentioned the very skilful combined operation by which naval patrol vessels and an R.A.P. flying boat succeeded in destroying the submarine which Ventured to attack a convoy. The German air attacks on British and neutral ships, which were of increased intensity, were claimed by the enemy as a great victory in the war against British shipping. These raids were generally carried out on days when low and thick clouds covered the shipping lanes. They were made by aeroplanes,. singly or in pairs, at widely separate points, and it appeared that instructions had been given to tho enemy pilots to do their utmost to avoid contact with the British defences. “ But on February 3 our fighters were given their opportunity,” said the Prime Minister. “ The German wireless took the unusual course of admitting t that three enemy aircraft out of the comparatively small number operating had been lost, and we know that at least one other was so badly damaged that it probably was unable to .reach its base.” Mr Chamberlain insisted that the successes claimed by Germany for this method of attack bore no relation to the facts. NAZI MURDERERS. The Prime Minister went on to condemn the callous brutality of the enemy, and dwelt in particular on the attack on the lightship East Dudgeon,; The only survivor of the crew of eight told "the story in these words; “We were not alarmed, because on previous occasions German pilots' waved to us and left us alone, but on. this occasion a bomber dived suddenly and sprayed the, decks with machine-gun bullets. He later dropped! nine bombs, the last of which hit the ship. The dead bodies of seven of the defenceless crew were found next morning on the seashore.” “The killing of fishermen, merchant seamen, and lightship crews in circumstances I have related is not war, but murder,” the Prime Minister concluded. No one who studies the figures can doubt the determination of the British Empire to throw all its resources into the fight against the rule of aggression. We cannot tell how long the ; fight may last nor what stern trials may yet await us, but we have no reason to be dissatisfied with the opening phases of the war; and we face the future with calm determination and unshaken confidence.” Mr Chamberlain said there were so few events of importance to record that he wished he could lighten the darkness about the Supreme War Council meeting in Paris on February 5 and give the House an account of tho proceedings, but none would desire him to be guilty of the folly of making such a generous gift to the enemy.

MISSING BELIEVED KILLED PILOT-OFFICER WRIGHT, OF LOWER HUTT LONDON, February 8. (Received February 9, at 11.15 a.m.) Pilot-officer Arthur H. M. Wright, of Lower Hutt, New Zealand, is reported missing,' believed killed. LANDED AT GENOA GERMANS FROM KENYA AND TANGANYIKA GENOA, February 8. (Received February 9, at 2 p.m.) The Durham Castle landed 162 Germans from internment camps in Kenya and Tanganyika, who are returning to Germany. ROYAL VISIT TO BRISTOL ROUND OF INSPECTIONS LONDON, February 8. (Received February 9, at 1.30 p.m.) Their Majesties visited Bristol, where they talked with the skippers of merchantmen in port. Almost all have experienced enemy attacks in either this or the last war. Their Majestiesisaw frozen lamb from the dominions being unloaded, and were told that largo quantities of lamb, butter, and beef are arriving daily. They visited the Bristol Aviation Company, where Bristol Beauforts were demonstrated, power-diving within 50ft of the ground.