RUNNING THE BLOCKADE

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 January 1941, Page 7

RUNNING THE BLOCKADE

FRENCH SHIPS’ ATTEMPT. [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] (Recd. January 16, 11.15 a.m.) ■ LONDON, January 15. An official of the Ministry of Economic Warfare stated there is no question of lifting the blockade in favour of the Mendoza, and the other four French merchantmen. There is no truth in the rumours that they will be allowed to proceed after interception. The position is clear that a ship of whatever nationality going to Europe without a navicert, if possible, would be intercepted and placed in prize. MONTEVIDEO- January 15. Within half-an-hour of the Mendoza anchoring, the British auxiliary Asturias took up station at the mouth of the River Plate, evidently with the intention of preventing the Mendoza departing for Europe. LATER. A message from Punta Adeleste says that the French steamer Mendoza has sailed for Europe. CANADIAN SHIPS. (Recd. January 16, 10.30 a.m.) OTTAWA, January 15. A ten million dollar contract for the construction of six large freighters for Britain, has been awarded to the Davies Shipbuilding Company. The ships will be built at Levis, Quebec.

LINER v. RAIDER CAPETOWN, January 15. Details are now given of the “Carnarvon Castle’s” action on December 6, with an enemy raider. These show that the raider scored thirty-eight direct hits. There were four on the waterline. Other hits caused only superficial damage. Six of the “Carnarvon Castle’s” crew were killed. Thirty-one were injured. The action lasted ninety minutes. The “Carnarvon Castle” fired altogether about four hundred shells, scoring hits with about ten salvoes. The “Carnarvon Castle’s” officers and men were unanimous that the raider received more punishment than she gave.

DUKE OF WINDSOR. NASSAU, January 15. The yacht Rene, carrying the Duke of Windsor on a survey trip, was unable to land at Abaco Island, because of the rough seas. The yacht sought refuge at Whale Bay. ' ; NEW'YORK, January 15. The Duke of Windsor’s aide-de-camp, Captain Drury, told the United Press of America by telephone from the yacht “Rene,” that she is at present off Whale Bay in no danger; “We left Bimini on Monday, en route to Abaco, but the ground swell was so heavy we were unable to and were forced to anchor off Whale Bay.”