MYSTERY DEEPENS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 90, 18 April 1938, Page 7

MYSTERY DEEPENS

FLEET AT DAVAO SAID TO BE WARSHIPS I FLAGS NOT IDENTIFIED Received April 17, 5.5 p.m. MANILA, April 16. The collector of customs at Davao, in a radio message, declared that the authorities there state that the 21 mysterious vessels anchored in Davao harbour are warships. “It has been established beyond doubt that warships have entered Davao waters,” says a statement from the Mayor. Mr. C. D. Mac Gee, a retired United States army officer, states: "I saw around 17 warships in column of formation. I could identify their wireless but could not identify the flags or numerals of any of the ships. The mothership moved up from the rear to the front of the column. She had a low, flat deck with a slightly elevated poop as the only superstructure, suggesting that it might have been an aeroplane carrier, although my assistant states she could have been a collier.” Other eye-witnesses said they saw the ships manoeuvring on Sunday night displaying vari-coloured lights. The Manila army authorities are awaiting the return of two aeroplanes sent out to investigate. PHILIPPINES DEFENCE AMERICA PROMOTES PLAN. Received April 17, 6.5 p.m. NEW YORK, April 16. Army and Navy officials have completed conversations with the Filipino leaders concerning a plan for the defence of the Philippines, says the Washington correspondent of the New York Times. The plan involves a 15year programme of strengthening the fortifications in addition to training mobile forces of native troops.