SWEDISH VESSEL SUNK

Southland Times, Issue 23946, 12 October 1939, Page 5

SWEDISH VESSEL SUNK

Neutrals Protest To Germany EXPLOSION IN SHIP OFF WELSH COAST (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received October 11, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, October 11.' The Scandinavian Powers have protested to Germany against the sinking of neutral shipping, says a message from Copenhagen. A submarine sank the Swedish steamer Vistula in the North Sea on October 8. Nine members of the crew have arrived at Scotland in a barge and a search is being conducted in stormy seas for another nine, including the captain. A message from Costa Rica says that a steamer without flags, apparently the Havelland in disguise, was sighted off Cap Velas on the Pacific Coast, lending credence to the belief that she. may have turned raider or is preparing to fuel submarines. The Havelland left Punta Arenas on Sunday with 62,000 gallons of diesel oil on board. _ It is revealed in London that in the explosion aboard the steamer Marwarri near the Welsh coast, when she was bound for Newport from Belfast in ballast, five Lascars of the crew of 91 were injured. There was a terrific explosion, but whether it was caused by a mine or a torpedo has not been ascertained. Doors crashed, lights were extinguished, deck fittings and the wireless were blown sky-high. Water poured in as/the hands rushed to the deck but there was no panic. The captain ordered them to lower the boats as the ship listed. The crew reached the shore in the boats and tugs took charge of the Marwarri whose European officers were landed later. CONTRABAND SEIZED During the week ended October 7 the British contraband control detained 25,000 tons of goods about which there was evidence tl.at the: were contraband destined for Germany. The cargoes included 13,800 tons of petroleum products, 2500 tons of sulphur, 1500 tons of jute, 400 tons of other fibres, 1500 tons of feeding stuffs, 130 tons of oils and fats, 1200 tons of foodstuffs, 600 tons of oil seeds, 570 tons of copper, 430 tons of other ores and metals, 500 tons of phosphates, 320 tons of timber and quantities of other commodities. The total amount of contraband goods detained during the first five weeks of the war amounted to 315,000 tons. Danish ship owners have refused the Soviet charter request and it is reported that Norwegians have refused also. It is reported from Riga that 58 German steamers are anchored at Murmansk and Archangel.

ITALIAN HOPES FOR CONFERENCE

LONDON, October 10. Signor Bastianini, the new Italian Ambassador, is expected to bring Signor Mussolini’s peace views to London at the end of the week, says The Star. Rome still hopes for an international conference and is willing to go a long way to promote one. ,

MANY VOLUNTEERS IN JERUSALEM

LONDON, October 10. The Jerusalem correspondent of the Associated Press of America states that registration centres throughout Palestine opened today. They had to cope with huge throngs of volunteers who were willing to serve in any capacity.