GUNS ON ATHENIA ?

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1939, Page 7

GUNS ON ATHENIA ?

PASSENGER’S ALLEGATIONS. [by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] (Received October 18, 11.25 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 17. Gustav Anderson, a Travel Bureau operator, who was a passenger in i the Athenia, has filed an affidavit with the State Department, asserting that the Athenia was carrying coast defence guns to Canada, and was to be fitted out as a raider for the return trip. The assertions are based upon alleged remarks made by Chief Officer Copeland.. Anderson stated that the Department had received several scores of affidavits from passengers. Mr. Cordell Hull told the Press that Anderson’s statement was the first intimation from any source that the Athenia carried gvns. He promised to publish full derails, when the Departmental inquiry was completed.

OWNERS’ CONTRIBUTION. LONDON, October 16. The- Donaldson Line, owners of the liner Athenia. have .sent to the United States Ambassador in London (Mr J. P. Kennedy) £5BOO towards the cost of taking home American survivors. American appreciation has been expressed at the company’s action, at the help of the people of Galway and Glasgow, and the assistance of the British Government. Twenty-nine American lives were lost when the Athenia was sunk. I REPARATION CLAIMED. I OTTAWA. October 16. t It is officially stated that four unnamed Canadian passengers on the Athenia. which was torpedoed on Sep tember 2, are claiming reparation from Germany, totalling 2000 dollars, foi loss of personal effects and suffering.