U-BOAT SUNK

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20988, 15 December 1939, Page 7

U-BOAT SUNK

NAZI CRUISER TORPEDOED BRITISH DESTROYER LOST HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Dec. 14 The Admiralty announces that the British submarine which sighted the German liner Bremen bound for Germany but refrained from torpedoeing her for humane reasons has sunk a U-boat and torpedoed a German cruiser in the North Sea. The Admiralty announces the loss of the destroyer Duchess, commanded by Lieutenant-Commander R. C. H. White, as the result of a collision with another British warship, which was not damaged. It is feared that all on board the Duchess were lost except a lieutenant and 22 ratings. The Duchess is a destroyer of the Defender class, launched in August, 1929, and completed in February, 1930. She is a vessel of 1375 tons displacement, capable of a speed of 35.5 knots and armed with four 4.7in. guns, seven smaller guns and eight torpedo tubes. The normal complement of a destroyer of the Defender class would be 145.

NO REPERCUSSIONS

PAN-AMERICAN NEUTRALITY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 Well informed circles in Washington believe there will be no repercussions in connection with Pan American neutrality provisions as a result of developments from the battle off the coast of Uruguay. This view is put forward on the grounds that a naval engagement among belligerents has not affected neutrals. GALLANT ACTION AUCKLAND’S CONGRATULATION MESSAGE SENT BY MAYOR (By Telegraph.—Press Association) AUCKLAND, Friday “This engagement brings the war much closer home to us in Auckland, in view of the fact the some of our boys were in the crew of the Achilles,” said the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, at a meeting of the City Council last night. Sir Ernest added that the incident would give the Nazis something to think about. After the meeting, a congratulatory telegram was despatched to Commodore J. W. Rivett-Carnac, commanding the New Zealand Squadron, by Sir Ernest Davis. It read as follows: “The Auckland City Council this evening resolved that I should exi tend to you on behalf of the citizens i of Auckland, for transmission to the captain and ship’s company, hearty congratulations and appreciation of the gallant part played by H.M.S. Achilles.” THE CONVOY SYSTEM

AVAILABLE TO NEUTRALS WOULD REDUCE LOSSES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyngnt/ # (Received Dec. 15, 1 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14 Mr Winston Churchill, in reply to ja question in the House Commons, [said: “The protection of our convoy I system is available under certain con--1 ditions to neutrals. I believe that | their losses will be reduced if they accept this protection more often. 1 “The Admiralty has taken, and will continue to take, all possible steps to encourage neutral shipping engaged in trade with or for the Allies to participate in the British convoys.