HELD FOR RANSOM

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 24 August 1928, Page 5

HELD FOR RANSOM

AIRMEN PRISONERS OF MOORS. A COMPLICATED POSITION. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) ("Times” Cables.) LONDON, Aug. 22. - Grave anxiety is felt uegarding the Fmnch. airmen Re-ine and Serre, whom Moors have been holding for -ransom since thev were forced to land at Rio de Loro early in July while en route to South • America, reports the Paris corespondent of “The Times. ” The situation is complicated by a powerful tribe threatening to wipe out the tribe which captured the airmen, unless the fLier s secure the release of Moorish prisoners now in French hands ami/ arrange for the payment of a, high ransom. ~

A French official visited! Rio de Loro but did l not secure the release owing to the Government’is refusing, lib is reported, toi exchange the prisoners. A relief expedition is impossible owing to the fact that Rio del Loro is situated in the Spanish zone. The airmen have cent letters to their families detailing their pitiable condition. Thev state that they are unable to wash nod are covered with l vermin. Sorrels wife has written am .indignant letter to the newspapers protesting against the Government’s attitude in leaving the* airmen to their fate while it waits for the Moors’ eupidiitv to gbate. She demands- the release of the prisoners by the payment of ransom.