Submarine Sent to Rescue

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 103, 2 May 1941, Page 8

Submarine Sent to Rescue

EXPLOIT IN ENEIvtY PORT LONDON, April 30. How a British submarine mad* a gallant attempt to embark Mr Ronald Campbell, the British Minister to Belgrade, and his staff from the Yugoslavian port of Kotor was told to-day in a message received in London. The submarine, the Regent, arrived at the port at dawn on April 26 to find the whole area occupied by the Italian Army. The submarine entered the port, and a call was made on the naval authorities. Following this interview, an Italian staff officer embarked on the Regent as a hostage, and a British officer went in search of Mr Campbell. The Regent lay in the harbour for nine hours flying a large white ensign and surrounded by large numbers of Italians while the search for Mr Campbell continued. The submarine was then attacked by two Italian dive-bombers, and the commanding officer and a petty officer w'ere slightly wounded. The commander found that he could not wait any longer and dived, and, still submerged, and with the Italian officer still on board, left the harbour. In escaping, the submarine had to make its way ttuough two minefields. Although the mission was not successful, the fact that the submarine could lie for nine hours in a harbour surrounded by enemy forces and then escape was due to the gallant conduct of the commander and the crew. BRITISH DIPLOMAT SAFE CRcc. 1, 3.15) LONDON, April 30. Mr Ronald Campbell, British Minister to Yugoslavia, and his staff are safe in an hotel at Durazzo, Albania, after the failure of their attempt to escape in a submarine. They were at the quayside waiting for the submarine when the Italians occupied the town. They are now. awaiting a special plane from Rome to take them to Lisbon.