AIRCRAFT SEIZED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24134, 28 November 1941, Page 8

AIRCRAFT SEIZED

TWO GERMAN PRISONERS ESCAPE ATTEMPT THWARTED LONDON, Nov. :20 Au official inquiry is being held into an incident in which two German airmen escaped from a British prison camp and 'obtained possession of an aeroplane with the apparent object of setting out for Germany. Tho Evening News says the Germans flew a Royal Air Force Miles Magister training aeroplane 200 miles before they were forced down near the east coast. They posed as Dutch airmen and were being entertained at an R.A.F. mess in East Anglia when they were again arrested. The Miles Magister aeroplane had a range of 600 miles, but tlie petrol tank was only half full. The Germans wero unable to attempt a straight flight to Germany and so flew hugging tho coast, intending to reduce the sea crossing to a minimum. When forced down they told the authorities that they were engaged in special training. The older prisoner posed as the instructor. Their very circumstantial story was at first believed. The Germans were taken to a near by R.A.F. aerodrome, where, while the aeroplane was being serviced, they were given a meal. An official signal warning all aerodromes to watch out for a missing aeroplane, came out while the Germans were dining. The commander of the aerodrome promptly invited the guests to take off their overcoats and then found that tlioy were wearing Luftwaffe tunics. 1,000,000 FRANCS FINE PARIS BOMB EXPLOSION LONDON, Nov. 26 A Vichy message slates that after a bomb explosion in a restaurant the Germans fined Paris 1,000,000 francs. It is believed the fine was imposed in order to avoid shooting hostages, which has created a tense situation in the occupied zone. It is reported from- Stockholm that five prominent Norwegians, including the-police inspector at Alosund, and a barrister wero executed on charges of communicating with the enemy by radio and assisting Norwegians of military age to escape to Britain, MINERS' LEADER RESIGNS SYDNEY. Nov. 27 Mr. Charles Nelson has resigned from the position of general president of the Miners' Federation. Tho central council of the federation will decide next week whether his resignation will be accepted or whether Mr. Nelson will he asked to , remain in office. Mr. Nelson's action is the sequel to the finding of tho Royal . Commissioner, Sir Perciyal liaise , Rogers, following his investigation in so tho "secret fund" allegation.