SHOCK WORLD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23769, 24 September 1940, Page 7

SHOCK WORLD

GERMAN BRUTALITY U-BOAT CAPTAIN'S ACT SEVERE WEATHER AT SEA By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received September 23, 9.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 23 The chairman of the Children's Overseas Reception Board, Mr. Geoffrey Shakespeare, said in a statement to the press: "I am full of horror and indignation that any German submarine captain could torpedo a ship over 600 miles from land and in a tempestuous sea. "The conditions were such that there could bo little chanco for the passengers, whether adult or children. This deed will shock the world. It is another example of the barbarous methods of warfare associated with Nazi Germany and is only comparable with the present brutal and indiscriminate bombing of women anc) children in London." Board's Sympathy Mr. Shakespeare has sent a letter to bereaved parents stating: "The Children's Overseas Reception Board wishes me to convey its deep sympathy in your bereavement. You had courageously decided to send your children to the

Dominions, believing this course better than the continuous raids. I, as a parent, realise the anguish this letter must cause 3-011, and the great sadness brought to your home. I can assure you I deeply share your grief."

The Daily Mail says: "Even amid the carnage Hitler is trying to cause among London's women and children, the story of the sinking of this liner stands out as a supreme instance of wanton horror. Nothing has given the world a more vivid and more awful example of the sort of warfare Hitler wages. Let the details never be forgotten until the day of reckoning arrives. More Safety Steps Urged "We ' must ask, with parents, whether the Government is absolutely satisfied with the arrangements for the transport of children? Are the ships convoyed far enough to sea? Many thousands have already crossed the Atlantic safely, but more must be done to prevent a repetition of this tragedy." The Children's Overseas Reception Board said the children embarked from a west coast port in the second week in September. Every precaution had been taken on the same scale as had made possible the transport of nearly 3000 children overseas without a single casualty up to now. For every 15 chil.dren there was a skilled escort and for every child there was one adult on board.

SUBURBAN TARGETS ATTACKS ON SATURDAY British "Wireless LONDON, Sept. 22 An official communique states: "Thp attack made shortly before dark on Saturday evening in south-east England was not heavy. A few bombs were dropped in the south-west, on the outskirts of the London area, and at a few places in Kent and Sussex. The damage was slight and no casualties have been reported. "It is now known that a second enemy bomber was shot down by our fighters yesterday afternoon. Our fighters suffered no loss during the day. "On Saturday night enemy activity was somewhat more widespread than on previous nights, although London again was the principal objective. Bombs were dropped in several parts of the capital, and once more the attack was heaviest in the eastern and southern districts.

"In south-east London, outside the London area, a number of houses were destroyed by bombs and some casualties were caused, one of which was fatal. Elsewhere little damage lias been reported."