ATTEMPT TO STOP DUTCH TROOPS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 267, 12 November 1945, Page 5

ATTEMPT TO STOP DUTCH TROOPS

SEAMEN IN AUSTRALIA COMPLICATED SITUATION Recci. 6.30 p.m. Sydney, Nov. 11. Last minute attempts are being made to nrevent the departure for Java of 1600 Dutch troops, who arrived in Sydney on the Stirling Castle last week. These moves followed disclosures that Dutch troops were to be transferred from the Stirling Castle to the British transport Moreton Bay. A section of the British crew of the Moreton Bay opposed sailing without a direction from London, in view of the attitude of the Seamen’s Union in Australia. A cable on their behalf ha? been sent to the National Union of .Senmen, asking for a union ruling whether the ship should sail. The position is complicated by the fact that the crew of the Moreton Bay was signed on before the war ended and the ship is directly under the East Asia Command. The liner is an auxiliary’ to the Navy and the seamen would be guilt of an act “near to mutiny' if they refused to obey orders. Recd. 11.55 p.m. Sydney, Nov. 11. Dutch troops on the Stirling Castb were transferred this morning to the liner Moreton Bay, the crew of which immed:ately walked ashore and held a meeting, which was addressed by an official of the Australian Seamen’s Union. The official later interviewed the captain of the Moreton Bay, who ordered the men to return to the ship to-morrow morning. When it was pointed out to him the reply might not have been received from ihe Union In London by that time, the OOptain gave the men till five o’clock to-morrow afternoon to return. It is understood that if the men do not retprn a naval crew will be placed ahntird Moreton Bav to enable her to Sall.