DRAMATIC HUNT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24715, 18 September 1941, Page 7

DRAMATIC HUNT

THE AMERICAN NAVY ROUNDING UP RAIDERS PACIFIC AREA SCOURED LONDON, Sept. 16. The United States Navy is closing in on three German raiders. High naval officers in the control room followed the progress of a dramatic hunt over a wide circle in the Pacific, with the Galapagos Islands as the approximate centre. A correspondent estimates from Balboa reports that at least five British and Allied ships have been attacked or pursued in the last fortnight. A Manila message says it is believed in authoritative circles that the American Navy has extended its search for Axis pirates to the reaches of the Pacific that are regarded as approaches to the Panama canal. The Washington correspondent of the Daily Mail says the first battle between the United States and German navies may be close at hand. Messages flashing between Balboa and the Washington office of Admiral Stark indicated that warships and aircraft are at the former place. President Roosevelt's economic investigator (Mr H. F. Grady) will recommend United States naval convoys for Dutch ships crossing the Pacific with raw materials for America. Mr Grady is visiting the Netherlands East Indies to ascertain how the production of vital war materials can be stimulated to increase shipments to the United States. It is believed that he will recommend that America should send more war equipment to the East Indies.

AMERICAN WARSHIPS LARGE NUMBER IN ATLANTIC WASHINGTON, Sept. 16. _ The United States Navy has more than 125 ships in the Atlantic to carry out President Roosevelt's order to capture or destroy Axis warcraft encountered between America and Iceland, which comes into force today. Announcing that the United States Navy would protect the ships of every flag carrying supplies between America and Iceland, the Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Knox, said if the Germans did not take swift and successful measures to break down this bridge of ships the defeat of Britain would be impossible. If the Germans did make such an all-out effort they would add the United States Navy to their numerous foes. It was a grim choice, but German actions in the last few days left little doubt what they would do.

The Assistant Secretary to the Navy Board, Mr Lewis Compton, called on a graduating class of naval reserve midshipmen to be ready to fight, and if necessary die, in the defence ,of their country. He said events in Die last few days strongly indicated that war might be forced upon them soon.