GERMAN MERCHANT FLEET

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 November 1939, Page 7

GERMAN MERCHANT FLEET

NO LONGER AN ASSET.

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

RUGBY, November 3. 7 The Mercantile Marine, which Ger- / many had built up in the 20 years be- •* fore the war, consisting of many fine ships, which commanded the admir- . , ation of the seamen of all countries, has been converted, by Herr Hitler’s action in precipitating the war, from a J valuable asset to a considerable liability. Idle ships, which can no long- , er venture on ocean trade routes, must ; be maintained, while more direct losses arise from loss to the enemy, and from harbour dues in neutral ?' ports. Thirteen German merchant ships have fallen prizes to the Allies’ navies. Two were captured by the French. Eight others scuttled themselves to avoid capture. The list of ships captured is likely to increase as the vessels, sheltering in neutral ports, try to get home —a course to which they are being driven through lack of funds. Already, these ships have been selling their cargoes tp defr.ay harbour, dues. •>.. When this means of -financing the payments is exhausted,' since Germany cannot afford foreign exchange for the purpose, the vessels will be faced with the alternatives of accepting sequestration by neutrals, or attempting to run the gauntlet of the. Allies’ blockade.