CANADIAN BOAT SHELLED

Taranaki Daily News, 3 August 1931, Page 7

CANADIAN BOAT SHELLED

U.S.A. REPLIES TO PROTEST

‘COASTGUARD WITHIN RIGHTS’ COURT YET TO HEAR ACTION By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Washington, Aug. 1. The State Department in its note replying to Canada’s formal protest against the shelling and capture of the alleged rum-runner Josephine K., on January 25, asserted the coastguard acted within the treaty rights. Another more detailed note will probably be sent after the New York Federal Court acts on the charge filed Against the Josephine K. by the United States.

The Josephine K. -was registered at Digby, Nova Scotia, and was commanded by Captain William Cluett, who was fatally wemnded when the vessel was shelled by the U.S. coastguard. K. Schmidt, the boatswain commanding the cutter which fired on the,Josephine K.; was intoxicated, according to Wesley Anderson, mate , of the Josephine K. The U.S. Coastguard Board, however, stated the charges were untrue and commended Schmidt for his prompt action and rare presence of mind to secure medical attention for Captain Cluett. It was stated the boat was inside the 12rmile limit. 5

The Josephine K. was alleged to have been discovered transferring liquor , to a tug and barge near Ambrose Channel. The cutter fired blank shells as a warning, whereupon Captain Cluett® ship tried to escape. One pound shells were then fired, one striking the pilot house in which the master was found wounded when the boat stopped. Coastguardsmen boarded the ship and seised the Josephine K., the tug and the barge with the alleged liquor. The coastguard reported that the value of the liquor cargo seized was £50,000. They arrested 19 men, including the crews of the barge and the tug, which belonged to the local shipping organisations and which were believed to be co-operating in liquor smuggling without the knowledge of the owners.