"SHADOW” LARGELY

Evening Star, Issue 24004, 1 October 1941, Page 7

"SHADOW” LARGELY

LITTLE SUBSTANCE IN ATTACKS MEDITERRANEAN CONVOY UNHARMED (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. noon.) RUGBY, Sept. 30. The First Lord, Mr A. V. Alexander, in the House of Commons, in a statement on the recent naval action in the Mediterranean, when 13 Italian aircraft were destroyed, said: “ During the morning of September 27 it became apparent that the convoy and its covering forces were being shadowed by enemy aircraft, and in the early afternoon the British ships were attackd by three groups of torpedo-carry-ing aircraft, heavily escorted by fighters. At the same time bombers passed over the Fleet, but no attack was made. The enemy were engaged by naval fighters and by gunfire. Four enemy torpedo-bombers and one fighter were destroyed by the naval fighters, and in addition one was probably destroyed and others damaged. Six torpedobombers and one fighter were shot down into the sea by the gunfire of the Fleet. The Nelson was hit by one torpedo, and her speed slightly reduced, but there were no casualties. During the afternoon the enemy attempted a second attack, but were intercepted and driven off by naval fighters and no further attacks were attempted. On September 20 one enemy aircraft was intercepted and destroyed while attempting to shadow. The British losses were three naval fighters, the crews of two of which were saved. During "the course of these operations reports were received that an Italian naval force was at sea. Tin's force, however, took evading action, and could not be brought to battle.

MYRON TAYLOR’S MISSION BEARING LETTER FRDM POPE TD PRESIDENT TALK WITH MR CHURCHILL AND MR EDEN LONDON. September 30. Mr Myron Taylor, who bears a letter from the Pope to President Roosevelt, conferred overnight with Mr Churchill and Mr Anthony Eden. The object of Mr Taylor’s mission was revealed as follows:—When authenticated reports of an Italian desire for peace and of the Pope’s anxiety to be of whatever assistance possible reached President Roosevelt, the later was anxious to learn the position at first hand through Mr Taylor, who carried a personal letter from the Pope. It is now understood that the Pope., expressed a hope that the war would be shortened, and gave an assurance that if his services as peacemaker were required he would willingly answer the call. JAPAN CONCERNED MR DUFF COOPER'S ACTIVITIES TOKIO, September 30. Mr Ishii said Japan was greatly concerned over Mr Duff Cooper’s activities. He added; “ Although the British assert that they are acting defensively wo think they are encircling Japan. Wc admire Mr Duff Cooper’s frankness in his utterances wherever ho goes, however.” TRADE WITH TURKEY FOOD FOR BRITAIN LONDON, Oct. 1. Another £4,000,000 worth of foodstuffs for Britain, will come from Turkey under a, trade arrangement. The Germans are still endeavouring to arrange a new trade agreement with Turkey. BRITISH AVIATIDN AN ITALIAN TRIBUTE (Rec. 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 30. Paying a tribute to R.A.F. aviation, the editor of the Turin ‘ Stampa ’ says the ardour of the British pilots is assuming gigantic proportions. The British anti-aircraft defences and signalling system are almost perfect, and not a single German plane can reach Britain without being identified immediately after taking off. The German bombers always fight over Britain under conditions of inferiority because the Luftwaffe is clearly at a disadvantage compared with the R.A.F.