LATEST GERMAN SETBACK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 301, 21 December 1939, Page 7

LATEST GERMAN SETBACK

“ONE BLOW AFTER ANOTHER ” GREAT INTEREST IN AMERICA Received Dec. 20. 11.50 p.m. NEW YORK, Dec. 19. The scuttling of the Columbu* and the forcing of the Arauca to port brought the war closer to the United States than at any tune since the start. Thousands of Ger man-Americans living in New York’s “German section,” gathered in bars and on street corners discussing the Reich’s latest setback. There was consternation at the New York offices of the North German Lloyd Line when the news was received. “Oh. my God!” said the manager, Mr. John Schroider. ‘’lt’s one blow after another.” He added that as the Columbus was unarmed, he believed the crew were entitled to an indefinite stay in the United States. The line would take care of them. Asked whether they would be returned to Germany, he replied: “Ho ’ could they be?” There is much speculation wh> th - unarmed ship left the safety of a neutral port. The New York HeraldTribune suggests that the most plausible theory is that the sacrifice was risked in order to refuel some important warship short of oil. The United Press of America’s Mexico City correspondent states that reports are circulating that the cargo of the Columbus included hundreds of thousands of Mexican shoes for the German Army. Also half-filled drums of oil, which were to be dropped overboard for submarines. The New York Time.', editorially, says that by the scuttling the Germans have lost whatever preside They might have gained by the Bremen’s escape. The New York Herald-Tribune says editorially: "The liner's fate L ui.mistakeacly ominous ntsvo. A regime that expects to win the war would be hardly likely to take sucn extravagant risks with a costly possession anchored in a neutral purl, from which a German victory wo Ud have redeemed her.” Meanwhile, with her radio sealed, the Arauca is lying at Port Everglades. An investigation continues to determ wither she is consi’s-. o d a naval auxiliary. GERMAN FREIGHTER CHASED SHOT FIRED RY CRUISER PORT IN FLORIDA REAC HED Received Dec. 20. 7.10 p.m. NEW YORK. Dec. 19. The German freighter Arauca. fleeing from a British cruiser, anchored at Port Everglades, bringing to a climax a chase on the Florida coas", in which a shot was fired across her bow in an attempt to halt her. Port officials said that if unarmed the Arauca would be allowed to :e--main indefinitely, but if armed she must depart within 24 hours TWO MORE SUBMARINES SUNK BY FRENCH NAVY Received Dec. 20. 10.30 p.m. PARIS, Dec. 20. The Navy Minister, M. Campinchi, announced that the French Navy had sunk two submarines, nne of which had been accredited to the destroyer Sirocco, whose score now is three.