BRITAIN TAKES SERIOUS VIEW OF U.S. CHARGES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18615, 17 November 1928, Page 6

BRITAIN TAKES SERIOUS VIEW OF U.S. CHARGES.

AMERICANS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIP INSPECTION. (Received November 17, 4 p.m.) LONDON, November 16. It is understood that the British Government takes the most serious view of certain American Press allegations regarding the Vestris, especially such references as “ British child murderers.” Official circles stated to-day: ■“ We desire a full inquiry, and will give the American authorities every assistance therein.” Behind this statement is the desire to investigate allegations gravely reflecting not merely on British behaviour during the disaster, but also on the seaworthiness of the ship. The,, latter suggestion has assumed an international aspect, because it implies that Britain sent an unseaworthy ship to .sea. Inquiries disclose that, although the Vestris was a British ship on the British register, she had not been in England for several years, and therefo.e the latest certificate of seaworthiness was not granted by Britain, but as a result of the United States supervising shipping inspector’s examination on November 8, after the vessel had been in dry dock. This also is the reason why the inquiry must be held by the United States, and not by the British Board of Trade, because the Vestris was travelling from New York to Buenos Aires.—United Service.