BRITISH CONVOY SYSTEM

Southland Times, Issue 23922, 14 September 1939, Page 5

BRITISH CONVOY SYSTEM

OPERATION NOT YET , COMPLETE

GERMAN THREAT AGAINST AMERICAN CARGOES

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received September 13, 7.10 p.m.) LONDON, September 12. The Ministry of Information has announced that the convoy system has been put into force but it is not yet operating completely., “When war was forced on us British merchantmen were scattered on trade routes all over the world,” says the statement. “It takes time to collect convoys, and it is obviously undesirable to give details.” The Ministry of Food announces that supplies of meat are sufficient for all reasonable requirements but that there will possibly be some difficulty in securing particular kinds. Authorized sources in Berlin have give.) a warning that American steamers carrying contraband may be submarined. They added that Germany would use submarines to prevent goods reaching Britain, only to the extent that Britain blockaded Germany. An official spokesman said: “It is an eye for an eye and butter for butter.” OLIVEBANK SUNK BY MINE 14 PERSONS LOSE LIVES ESBJERG, September 12. It was revealed today that the Finnish windjammer Olivebank was sunk by a mine on Friday, 105 miles southwest of Bouvbjerg, Denmark. Fourteen persons were lost. Seven climbed the high steel mast and were without food and water until picked up by fishermen on Sunday. GARTAVON SUNK BY SUBMARINE MOOLTAN ESCAPES FROM SHELLING HORTA, September 12. A Swedish tanker landed 24 members of the crew of the British ship Gartavon. None was injured. A submarine ordered the crew to boats and sank the Gartavon. The Mooltan was shelled by a submarine for an hour, but drew out of range and escaped.

TWO NEW ZEALANDERS STILL MISSING MESSAGE FROM MR JORDAN (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 13. The Government has received a cablegram from Mr W. J. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, confirming that Mrs Marjorie Tomlinson, who was a passenger in the Athenia, is safe, but there is no news so far of the Misses Fletcher and Harper. Mr Jordan has been advised that Mrs C. E. Carter, of Palmerston North, has been rescued.

NO SPANISH SEA TRADE WITH BELLIGERENTS

(Received September 13, 7.10 p.m.) SAN SEBASTIAN, September 12. General Franco has forbidden Spanish vessels to carry, on trade of any kind with belligerents. OFFERS OF SERVICE IN AUSTRALIA MR MENZIES IMPRESSED WITH TYPE OF MEN (Received September 13, 7.30 p.m.) CANBERRA, September 12.' The Prime Minister (Mr R. J. Menzies) is greatly impressed with the manner of men offering their services for home and abroad. He said that the military authorities faced an enormous number of applications and a rush for enlistment. The Government intended to make another examination of the militia training system with a view to its extension.

NEW ZEALAND UNIT IN SYDNEY WAR WORK TO BE DONE IN CITY (Received September 13, 7.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, September 13. A well-attended meeting of New Zealanders living in Sydney decided to form a New Zealand war unit to undertake war work in Sydney. The Government commissioner, Mr W. Taylor, who presided, was elected patron. Mrs Eleanor Hempton is convener and Mrs Donald Ferguson secretary. JEWISH VOLUNTEERS IN PALESTINE READINESS TO SERVE IN BRITISH ARMY LONDON, September 12. In Palestine-45,000 Jews registered in the first two days of mobilization as volunteers in the Palestine defence services, the auxiliary services and the British ' Army. Ninety per cent was willing to serve in the British Army anywhere. Dr Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization, in a New Year message to the Jewish people, says: “In a world where human rights and dignity count once more, the Jew will regain his right as a human being and as a citizen. The Jew people can look forward to the fulfilment of their historic right and a free return to their homeland. A special responsibility lies upon our bre+’ ren in the countries where we enjoy freedom of action. This hour demands of us readiness for the utmost sacrifices to save our people and their historic hopes from destruction.” “TOO MANY SOLDIERS” IN FRENCH ARMY LONDON, September-12. According to a message from Geneva France will send back two army classes, especially agriculturalists, because there are too many soldiers for a fortress war.”