SAFETY FIRST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23471, 7 October 1939, Page 11

SAFETY FIRST

ACTION ON REPORT AMERICAN VIEW INFORMING THE WORLD CABINET'S ATTITUDE (Received October <6. 7.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 It is explained at White House that the American naval attache at the j Berlin Embassy transmitted Admiral Raedcr's report to Washington last night. Precautions were taken immediately after it was received. It is authoritatively stated that the consensus of opinion in the Cabinet was that, if the report were true, its publication might prevent a tragedy. If the ship were sunk the Germans could not claim that the United States had failed in its precautions. The Cabinet decided that it was right to announce the matter so that the world would know as much as the Government, It was also felt that the people of the United States should be advised. It was explained that the Iroquois would not be escorted, hut would be accompanied by naval vessels, the difference being that she would not be under the escort's orders'. She has American (lags painted 011 her sides, and these are fully lighted at night. Officials of the United States Line say they are amazed and do not believe the report. DEFENCE OF PACIFIC STRONGER NAVAL FORCE HAWAIIAN DETACHMENT (Received October 6, 5.5 p.m.) SAN DIEGO, Oct. ti Twenty-nine United States warships, carrying 12.000 officers and men, have left for Hawaii. They are part of the fast-striking force prepared to augment the Hawaiian detachment and provide security in the Pacific. It was announced on September .'3O that the additions to the Hawaiian defences would include the aircraftcarrier Enterprise, 80 aeroplanes, four cruisers and 30 destroyers.