“IN ACCORD WITH LAW."

Wairarapa Age, 26 March 1929, Page 5

“IN ACCORD WITH LAW."

AMERICAN COASTGUARD TONTENTION. SUSPECTED RUM-RUNNER. (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 24. In an official statement, the headquarters of the Coastguard says: “The pursuit and sinking of the Im’ Alone, a suspected ram-runner, was in accord with international law, which authorises the continuous pursuit of a vessel which has violated the law within waters over which the United States has control.”—(Australian Press Association.) THE CAPTAIN’S STORY. CLAIMS FREEDOM OF SEAS. (Received Monday, 8,35 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 24. Officers of the Coastguard report that the I’m Alone was at anchor ten or eleven miles off the coast when first she was sighted. When an attempt was made to- board her, Captain Randall, a Canadian, brandished a pistol and shouted: “Any man attempting to board this ship will be killed.” He is being held a prisoner and is charged with “interference of a merchantman with a Customs officer in his boarding duties.” No charge has yet been laid against the crew. Captain Randall is reported to have admitted that he was engaged in rum smuggling, but that he was outside American waters and on the high seas when he was hailed by the Coastguard. He has stated: “I did not stop because I knew I was within my rights and knew I was entitled to the freedom of the seas. This is the most cowardly attack on a merchant ship since submarine warfare.” He said he only carried liquors for the home port of the I’m Alone, which is Montreal, Canada.—(Australian Press Association.)