AMERICANS TO CONSULT

Southland Times, Issue 24003, 19 December 1939, Page 5

AMERICANS TO CONSULT

Action Over Naval Engagement U.S. NEUTRALITY PATROL (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received December 18, 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, December 17. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) announced that consultations are being begun towards common action in the case of the naval engagement. Uruguay is assembling the facto and is transmitting them to the President of Panama, who is the Pan American liaison officer. It has not been decided whether a conference will be held or whether negotiations will be carried out through diplomatic channels. Mr Hull added that the United States would meet the other American countries half way. The Navy is seeking 518 aeroplanes, costing 28,500,000 dollars, to augment the neutrality patrol. The scuttling of the Admiral Graf Spee appears to have removed the immediate danger of the war encroaching on the American continent, but it has

not solved Uruguay’s delicate diplomatic problem. The German Legation protested strongly at Uruguay’s refusal to extend the time limit, attaching a letter from the commander, Captain Hans Langsdorff, as part of the protest, which describes the action as a “flagrant violation of international rights and usages.” Simultaneously Uruguay is engaged in not overfriendly conversations with Britain because she did not accede to the demand that the. Admiral Graf Spee’s stay should be limited to 24 hours. Uruguay sent a Note to Panama suggesting that the Pan-American countries jointly or individually should protest to Britain and Germany. Uruguay declares that the battle occurred inside the Panama Declaration neutrality zone. Brazil and Chile have indicated their readiness to co-operate. An agreement was reached among the representatives of the United States, Argentine, Brazil and Uruguay on a joint declaration again fencing off the American Republic’s waters during the European war. The other American republics are expected to consent and a joint declaration probably will be made on Tuesday. CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW ZEALAND DIVISION (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 18. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) today received the following cablegrams commending the part played by the Achilles in the sea conflict in the South Atlantic. From Lord Bledisloe: “Please convey my warmest congratulations on a magnificent exploit. The whole Emoire feels proud.” From Rear-Admiral (the Hon. E. R. Drummohd) who formerly commanded the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy: “Heartiest congratulations to the New Zealand Division.” AUSTRALIAN WOOL CLIP ESTIMATED INCREASE OVER LAST YEAR (Received December 18, 6.30 p.m.) MELBOURNE, December 18. The official estimate of the Australian wool clip for the current season is 3,371,500 bales, an increase of 409,000 bales over last year. At the price of the sale to the British Government this should return to the growers about £59,000,000, compared with £42,000,000 in the open market last season.