NAZI RAIDERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1940, Page 5

NAZI RAIDERS

OPERATIONS IN PACIFIC ENEMY PLANS AND HOPES.' AMERICAN CORRESPONDENT'S REPORT. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK, December 29. The “New York Times” Manila correspondent says that definite extension of warfare to the Pacific is seen in the intensification of German activities against British and other shipping, generally under three heads: First, sea raiders making open attacks on merchantmen; secondly, the destruction of cargoes before loading or their treatment so that they are spoiled before reaching their destination; thirdly, the placing of high explosives disguised as cargo or baggage and the attaching of time-bombs to hulls.

Already at least 15 British, Dutch and Norwegian ships in Asiatic or Pacific waters have disappeared, usually without trace. Authorities are finding the suppression of these activities difficult. Most ships have mixed crews and it is possible that some may be bought by German agents. It is expected that the activities of German surface raiders will be intensified shortly. Numerous German mercantile naval officers are at present in China and Japan reportedly registered for corsair work. Four German corsairs are operating in the South Pacific between Australia, . mandated islands, Manilaiand the China and India coasts. It is certain that any captured vessel is given a prize crew and armed for raiding. Indications are that increased German activity in the Pacific may cause far-reaching changes in both the Far Eastern situation and the conduct of the European war. Observers believe that Germany is pressing Japan to speed up the southward advance, hoping thereby to involve the United States in war with Japan, thus making American assistance to Britain more difficult. Germany could use the Axis agreement to send more ships for raiding in the Pacific.

AXIS DISTORTION MR HUGHES’S STATEMENT ON NAURU RAID. TOKIO, December 30. “Billy” Hughes (Australia's Navy Minister) is temporarily enjoying an Axis boom. The Domei News Agency quotes the official German News Agency as noting with approval Mr Hughes's statement that the Nauru raider hoisted the German flag before the bombardment. The Germans say Mr Hughes has “definitely refuted reports attributable to enemy propaganda that the raider was flying a friendly nation’s flag. German warships, of course, carry out their duties against the enemy under the German flag.”