Nazis Would Fire On U.S. Convoys

Northern Advocate, 27 May 1941, Page 5

Nazis Would Fire On U.S. Convoys

BERLIN, May 26. The Chief of the German naval staff (Grand Admiral Raeder), -interviewed by the Domei News Agency, said: “The aggressive character of American naval patrol activities, is already established.

“The German navy regards very seriously the possible result of American efforts to get war materials to England. “Regarding convoys, we can only confirm President Roosevelt's view that convoys will mean shooting. Since, according to the American admission, . the nature of the cargoes of convoyed ships has been established from the beginning as contraband, resort to this type of convoy system would be an open act of war and a bare unprovoked attack. “Therefore, the German navy would be justified in taking measures according to the law of sea warfare, and would have to repulse, with arms if necessary, any hindrance, even against American warships.” Cards on the Table A Berlin spokesman said: “Admiral Raeder’s interview lays all our cards on the table. Nobody should miss the timeliness of his statement regarding the dangers of American convoying.” President Roosevelt’s secretary (Mr. Stephen Early) referring to Admiral Raeder’s warning, said Berlin was trying to becloud beforehand the President’s speech and to precipitate something in the interim, says a message from Washington. The Secretary for State (Mr. Cordell Hull), accused Germany of making threats to induce the United States to refrain from real efforts of self defence.

Even Armed Action The Committee to Defend America by aiding the Allies has" sent a letter to President Roosevelt pledging its loyal support for strong, even armed action, to hasten the defeat of the Axis. “We await facts and leadership which the Commander-in-Chief alone can give,” the letter added.