SCOURING THE SEA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23810, 11 November 1940, Page 7

SCOURING THE SEA

SHIPS AND AIRCRAFT SEARCH FOR RAIDER LAYING OF MINEFIELD (Received November 11, 12.30 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Nov. 10 It is officially announced that Bass Strait will remain closed to shipping at least until Monday afternoon. The naval authorities incline to the belief that the minefield was laid by an enemy raider. Naval vessels and aeroplanes are scouring the neighbourhood, but bad weather is hampering sweeping operations. All shipping has been advised of the danger area. The Minister for Air, Mr. J. A. McEwen, said the Royal Australian Air Force was engaged in seaward patrols to intercept any enemy raider or minelayer. Aeroplanes began the patrols immediately the news of the fjrst sinking was received. The air crews were eager for the job of tackling tho enemy, and it would not he their fault if they failed to locate a hostile vessel. Most Australian pilots were highly trained in reconnaissance work. Suggestions that mystery ships were recently in port are discounted. The naval authorities said yesterday that all vessels entering and leaving ports were checked and searched. A Navy officer said that the mines had apparently been laid by a surface ship which sneaked up in the darkness.

UNITED STATES VIEW (Received November 10, 9.50 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 The State Department refuses to comment on the sinking of the City of Rayville, but indicates that there is no cause for the extension of the combat zone, to Australian, waters unless naval warfare in that area increases.