SEA WAR'S TOLL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 11

SEA WAR'S TOLL

NATAL MINESWEEPER CAPSIZE WHEN IN TOW SERIOUS LOSS OF LIFE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Feb. 5 The naval minesweeper Sphinx was being towed into port in heavy weather, after the disablement of her engines as the result of an enemy air attack last Saturday, when the vessel capsized owing to the hawser parting. Commander J. R. Taylor and four ratings were killed. Four officers and 45 ratings are feared to have been drowned. Two officers and 44 ratings were lauded at Gothenburg. The British steamer Portelet, of 1064 tons, struck a mine and sank off the east coast. Two men were killed and nine wera landed. A Finnish steamer picked up the survivors. The Swedish steamer Andalusia, of 1357 tons, travelling from Bordeaux to Gothenburg, is reported to have been sunk with a loss of 21 lives.

The Sphinx, which was completed only a year ago at a cost of over £IOO,OOO, was a vessel of 875 tons displacement. She belonged to the Halcyon class of minesweepers, and with engines of 1750 horse-power was capable of a speed of 17 knots. Her armament consisted of two 4-inch anti-aircraft and five smaller guns.

SAFETY IN CONVOYS VESSELS OF NEUTRALS VICIOUS NAZI CAMPAIGN MURDER OF SEAMEN British Wireless LONDOX, Feb. 5 It is revealed that out of 360 neutral vessels convoyed up to January 31 all but one reached their destination, and that neutral ships are coming in increasing numbers under the direct protection of the Royal Navy.

The Daily Telegraph says: "This development is not surprising. For some weeks past U-boats, baulked of British prey owing to the success of the Convoy system, have been waging a savage campaign against easier victims. Neutral ships, bound for neutral destinations remote from the arena of warlike operations, have been sunk without warning and without the slightest consideration for the safety of the crews. "These cowardly attacks thoroughly accord with the German idea and traditions of naval warfare, and it is only natural that neutrals should respond by accepting Mr. Churchill's invitation to seek the shelter of the Allied convoys.

"How Germany - will react to this latest move remains to be seen. She has nttered dire and repeated threats that neutral ships, which accept British protection will be treated as belligerents and sunk on sight. Since neutral ships are now being sunk on sight even when not in convoy, these threats" can no longer intimidate." The arrival at Stavanger of survivors of the Swedish ship Pajala has been the occasion of angry protests against German, ruthlessness in the Scandinavian press. The Dagens Nyheter characterises the attack on the Pajala as "absolutely inexplicable except as an act of pure terrorism." The Norwegian newspaper Aften--posten says: "What is being done against Norwegian and other neutral seamen is murder. We must look back to the darkest pages of human history to find corresponding precedents."

FUEL FOR VEHICLES SUBSTITUTE FOR PETROL PRODUCER GAS IN BRITAIN British Wireless LONDON, Feb. 5 The feasibility of using producer gas as a substitute for petrbl as fuel for commercial vehicles is announced in a report published to-day. A committee was set up in May, 1937, under the chairmanship of Sir Harold Hartley, to consider alternative fuels in case of a national emergency. The committee states that satisfactory results can be obtained by the use of equipment designed by its members.

Fuel to produce gas is readily available for several thousand vehicles, and it is anticipated that this will be increased to provide for 10,000 in tho near future. Both anthracite coal and low temperature coke can be used, and it is expected that supplies of both can be increased.,'

ELECTED UNOPPOSED SIR ANDREW DUNCAN CHANGE IN LABOUR SEAT LONDON, Feb. 5 In the by-election for ono of the City of London seats the President of the 33oard of Trade, Sir Andrew Duncan, was returned unopposed, replacing Sir Alan Henderson, who retired in his favour. At East Swansea, Mr. D. L. Mort (Labour) was returned unopposed, replacing Mr. David Williams, who retired on account of ill-health.

INTERNATIONAL LABOUR

EXPULSION OF RUSSIA (Received February 6, 5.5 p.m.) GENEVA, Feb. 5 The International Labour Organisation, at a secret session, expelled Russia from membership. Belgium and Holland were appointed to the governing body, replacing Italy and Russia. It was decided to convene a meeting of the Permanent Migration Committee for June.