RAIDER IN THE ATLANTIC.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 209, 2 August 1940, Page 6

RAIDER IN THE ATLANTIC.

The presence of a German raider in the Atlantic Ocean was made known with the sinking of two merchant ships some days ago. Naturally there was considerable speculation as to its type, but doubts have now been set at rest by its location by a British armed merchantman. Unfortunately, however, in the running fight which took place between the two ships-, the British was hampered by a lucky shot reducing its speed and the German escaped. But the fact that its presence has been narrowed to a definite part of the ocean should quickly enable it to be brought to book and another daring pirate of the seas destroyed. More than seven months have elapsed since the Graf Spee met her doom at Monte Video rather than fight the British ships that waited in vain for her at the mouth of the River Plate. Since then mines have been laid off Cape Agulhas (South Africa) and in parts of New. Zealand.. Their presence indicated the passage of a mine-laying vessel which on dropping its destructive cargo does not generally wait for results. It may be the same raider which has been seen in the Atlantic Ocean was responsible for these mines being laid near Auckland and off ike South African coast, in which case it has travelled extensively on its predatory mission. Though the German ship, which no doubt is commanded by a daring captain carefully chosen for the work lie has „been entrusted with, has avoided capture or destruction, the fate of the Graf Spee shows how difficult final escape to Germany is. The fact that an armed merchantman was sent out . may be taken to indicate Hitler’s unwillingness to risk any of his warships which have been badly battered by the British Navy.