NAZI WARNING TO U.S.A.

Southland Times, Issue 23942, 7 October 1939, Page 5

NAZI WARNING TO U.S.A.

Sinking Of Liner Forecast SUGGESTED MOVE BY ALLIES (United Press Assn. —Telegraph Copyright) (Received October 6, 9.5 p.m.). NEW YORK, October 5. It is officially stated from the White House that the Commander-in-Chief of the German Navy (Grand Admiral Erich Raeder) has informed the United States that the American steamship Iroquois, carrying Americans from Europe, will be sunk when it nears the American east coast, says the Washington correspondent of the Associated Press of America. Before issuing this statement, a secretary at the White House said that the matter had been fully discussed and Cabinet had decided that the facts should be given full publicity. Grand Admiral Raeder advised that the sinking would be accomplished through a repetition of the circumstances marking the loss of the Athenia. Coastguard vessels and Navy patrols are meeting the Iroquois at sea and accompanying her to port. Her master has been advised by wireless and asked to make the most careful search for explosive. Britain and France have also been advised. An official at the White House stated: “I do not think many people in the United States believe the report that the Iroquois is to be sunk. I do not believe any British, French or othei ship would do what is suggested. The United States Lines chartered the Iroquois to repatriate Americans. She has 584 passengers on board but no cargo. Fifty passengers aboard the Iroquois, all of whom live in the United States, were forced to prove their citizenship before being allowed a passage. A flotilla of warships of undisclosed strength has put to sea and is expected to make contact with the Iroquois some time tomorrow.

The Iroquois has American flags painted on its sides and is fully lighted. Authoritative quarters state that the consensus of Cabinet opinion is that if Grand Admiral Raeder’s report is true, the publication of it might prevent a tragedy. If the ship is sunk the Germans cannot claim that the United States failed to take precautions. The White House explained that the American naval attache at Berlin transmitted Grand Admira. Raeder’s announcement last night and precautions were taken immediately. Cabinet decided that it was right to announce the news so that the world would know as much as the Government. It was also felt that the people of the United States should be advised.

The explanation stated that the Iroquois would not be escorted, but’ would be accompanied by units of the Navy, the difference being that the vessel would not be under the escort’s orders.

The chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee (Senator Key Pittman) stated: “It occurs to me that none could have more knowledge of such facts than Grand Admiral Raeder nor about the method of destruction of a vessel.” • United States Line officials are amazed over the reported threat to sink the Iroquois and refuse to believe it. The Iroquois has an average speed of 18 knots. She is reported to be 800 miles west of Cobh (Cork). German sources have suggested unofficially that the phrase in Grand Admiral Raeder’s statement, “through a repetition of the circumstances which marked the locs of the Athenia,” implied that some other Power would sink the Iroquois and blame Germany.